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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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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Mrs Lillian Solomon" <lillian_solomon@yahoo.co.uk> (may be fake)
Date: Mon, 17 Oct 2005 00:12:18 +0200
Subject: Hi

Attn: Dear,
I would like to apply through this letter for your express co-operation and to secure in your position an opportunity to invest and do a joint business with you in
your country. Also I would like to described to you my advance future plans and kind to invest the sum of US$17,000,000 (Seventeen million united states dollars)
in any profitable business depending on your advise. Please your able co-operation is to become my partner in this transaction, and your country as well as create ideas
on how this money will be invested and the type of investment after the money is transferred to your custody with your assistance and co-operation. As I have not
had the pleasure of demonstrating the advantages of this investment. Meanwhile, in your response I would like you to indicate your willingness to handle this transaction
sincerely by protecting my interest and upon your acceptance of this proposal, I would appreciate us to discuss the details and mutually agree on your percentage
interest or share holding for helping me to secure the transfer of the asset and investing it. I shall be glad to reserve this respect and opportunity for you, if you so desire,
but do urge you to give the matter your immediate attention it deserves. Looking forward to your urgent and positive response.
Yours Sincerely,
Mrs Lillian Solomon


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