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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: "Lewis Brian" <lewis@lloydssecuritiesandfinance.com>
Date: Mon, 29 Aug 2005 10:03:24 +0000
Subject: Dear Acquaintance

Dear Acquaintance,


Permit me to introduce myself, I am Lewis Brian, head of Mortgage
department, Lloyds securities and finance company 659 Openshaw Street
Manchester United kingdom.

Only recently I discovered that one account belonging to Ms. Fiona Watts now
DECEASED has remained dormant for the past two years, after intensive
investigations, I found out that Late Mrs. Fiona Watts died in a ghastly
auto accident in June, 2002.

At this point I am contacting you concerning a business acquaintance that
will necessitates you to act as a new beneficiary cum next of kin to the
said dormant account as I hope to give you
more technical details on how I think we should transfer the funds into your
nominated offshore/residence account.

Please I need you to help me with your personal details such as Full names,
home/office address, phone and fax numbers respectively, you can also reach
me on +44 703 194 7483 or email back @ lewisbrian@uk2.net should you be
interested.

PLEASE, YOU MAY ALSO IGNORE THIS LETTER AND RESPECT MY TRUST IN YOU BY NOT
EXPOSING THIS TRANSACTION, SHOULD YOU NOT BE INTERESTED.

Sincerely,
Lewis Brian.


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