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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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Please note about this email:

Fraud email example:

From: "BROWNMIJ IMPORT & EXPORT CO.LTD" <info@brownmijco.com>
Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2005 16:37:27 +0000
Subject: REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED

Dear friend,              
 
 I represent BROWNMIJ IMPORT AND EXPORT COMPANY LTD
 based in United Kingdom. My company markets and exports
 Polymeric Polyol and other products for world trade.
 
 We are searching for representatives who can help us
 establish a medium of getting to our customers in
 Europe and America as well as making payments through
 you as our payment officer. It is upon this note that
 we seek your assistance to stand as our representative
 in your country.
 
 Note that, as our representative, you will receive
 10% of whatever amount you clear for the company and
 the balance will be paid into an account we will avail
 to you. Please, to facilitate the conclusion of this
 transaction if accepted, do send me promptly by email
 the following:
 
 (1)Your full names,
 (2)Contact address and,Phone/fax numbers.
 
 Thank you for your time.Waiting for your
 response (brownmijimportandexport@gmail.com )
 Very Respectfully,
 
 Mr. Steve Howard
 MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO
 BROWNMIJ COMPANY PLC
 

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