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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: "donald femi" <femi@donalddonald.com>
Date: Sun, 04 Sep 2005 04:33:54 +0000
Subject: Re: Urgent Funds for Investment.

Dear Friend,

Re: Urgent Funds for Investment.

I am Dr.FEMI DONALD, a member of the Contract Review Panel, Federal Ministry
Of Environment (FME),
Nigeria. I am contacting you to be our reliable partner/agent to assist us
to receive and investment
of Twenty Seven million Three hundred Thousand United States Dollars only
into your designated
bank account in subsequent investments in education, properties,
agriculture, construction,
software design and supply, or any business of your choice, to initiate a
proper and structured
relationship in your country. You will be required to;
(1). Assist in the transfer/receive of the above amount in your designated
bank account
(virgin or existing account).
(2). Advised on lucrative areas for investment with a large yearly turn-over
profit .
(3). Assist us in the purchase of properties .
(4). The fund is intended to be invested through you/your agency in the
purchase of facilities
and assets in your country.
(5). This transaction will result in you being paid a commission of 25% off
the investment capital.
(6). The transaction desire absolute confidentiality and professionalism in
the handling of this
matter. Please let me know what your response will be to an offer to
receive investment funds
in cash and if the above investment proposals interest you and you sincerely
wish to advice and
assist, I urgently want you to send me the information as stated below so
that we can commence
the mutual beneficial transaction without delay and onward transfer of the
funds into your
designated bank account;
(1). Your Full Names and Address
(2). Your Telephone and Fax Numbers and if available
your cell phone Number.
You shall be given 25% of the total sum of US$27.3M for the services
rendered as soon as the
funds are confirmed in your bank account within or less than 14 days of the
final
commencement/take-off of the transaction/project. Moreover, our investment
shall also be under
your sole supervision since you know what to invest in making profits in
your country.
Your swift copy of your email should be forwarded to:femidonald@walla.com

Yours faithfully,
Dr.FEMI DONALD



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