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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: "paul uri" <snowcrest8@msn.com>
Date: Tue, 20 Sep 2005 12:21:24 +0000
Subject: INVESTMENT PROPOSAL "OFF SHORE"

Dear Respected,
Peace and blessing be upon you.I am dropping you this
quick note because I did not hear back from you concerning the
information I sent you the other day introducing my intent. I am ALMAHDAI
URI, an Iraqi. I need a partner to invest with me, I got your
contacts through my personal research and because of circumstance
decided to reach you through ! this medium. I have USD$142million for
investment purpose, I want you to receive this fund on my behalf and
invest on a profitable business pending when the situation in my
country allows me to travel. I have delayed this transaction because of
circumstance hence I need you to reply as very urgent. Do include your
personal details while responding for ease of communication.looking forward
to hearing from you soonest.
Yours
faithfully,
A.URI.



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