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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: "David Zhuma" <davidzhuma@zhumaconsulting.com>
Reply-To: vngwenya1502@yahoo.com.br
Date: Mon, 29 Aug 2005 09:55:39 +0000
Subject: Re: For your immediate consideration!

29th August, 2005.

Mr. David Zhuma
Head , Zhuma Consulting (Auditors)
Johanesburg, RSA
email: davidzhuma@zhumaconsulting.com

Sir,

Ref: For your due and prompt consideration.

I am David Zhuma. I trained and work as an external auditor for the Stanbic
Bank Groups of South Africa, working as part of a bigger team that covers
the entire branches. I have taken pains to find your contact through a
colleague that is connected with the British Chamber of Commerce.

On a routine audit check last year, I discovered some investment accounts
that had been dormant for at least 9 years. All the accounts belong to a
single/ one account holder with monies totalling a little above 11.3 million
United States Dollars.

Now banking regulation/legislation here demand that I do notify the fiscal
authorities after a statutory time span of 8 years when dormant accounts of
this type are called in by theEuropean Union monetary regulatory bodies. The
above set of facts underscores my reason for writing and proposing to you.

My investigations of the said account reveals that the investor, a Briton
had died in 1995—the exact time the account was last operated. I can confirm
with certainty that the said investor died interstate and no next –of –kin
to his estate has been found or has come forward all these years. I am of
the littled conviction that using my insider leverage, I, working with you
can secure the funds in the account for ourselves instead of allowing it
pass as unclaimed funds into the coffers of the European Union.This is
especially possible as you bear the same LAST NAME with the said investor.

This exactly is why I crave your participation and co-operation . I have in
my custody all relevant documents (legal and Banking Details) that will
facilitate your claims as the beneficiary of the funds. If this offer is
okay by you, we can put minds together and workout the modalities and our
mutual benefits. I shall however leave out the final details of this
transaction till I receive an affirmation of your desire to participate .

Be rest assured that I am in control of the situation and as such, there
would be no risk whatsoever if you elect to come on board. Needless to say,
UTMOST CONFIDENTIALITY is of vital importance if we are to successfully reap
the immense benefits of this transaction. I do expect your prompt response.

Truly,

David Zhuma


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