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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

Victims never receive this non-existent fortune but are tricked into sending their money to the criminals, who remain anonymous. They hide their real identity and location by using fake names and fake postal addresses as well as communicating via anonymous free email accounts and mobile phones.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

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Fraud email example:

From: "Kenneth Malfred" <kenmac_d200@yahoo.com> (may be fake)
Reply-To: kenmac_200@yahoo.com
Date: Fri, 5 Aug 2005 10:50:19 +0000
Subject: From Mr Kenneth Malfred

Dear ,
Good day to you.
I got your contact while searching for investment assistance in chamber of commerce in your country. I am Mr. Kenneth Malfred a 24years old boy. The first son of (late) Dr. Godwin Malfred ,whom was managing director J & D Oil company in (MONROVIA) Liberia West Africa. But he was killed along side with my younger brother during the longing civil war by rebels and all our properties was totally destroyed.
Before the death of my father, he deposited an amount of Eight million five hundred thousand American dollars (U.S. $ 8.500, 000) in a finance firm I am saddled with the problem of securing a trust worthy foreign personality who will take me as a son, to help me transfer the money over to your country with the intention of investing it in a business under your directives and supervisions' because I have no knowledge of investment until i finished up my Education .
Please if you are so kind as to assist me I shall send to you all vital information's for your confirmation regarding the holding company where the fund was lodged. I will giving any offer with every confidence on your acceptance to assist me as your son and manage the money in my behalf until such a time I am able to stand on my feet. I will be happy to hear from you.
God Bless you as you consider my plea.
Yours Truly
Mr. Kenneth Malfred


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