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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. Margaret Zuma" <partnership_solicitation_mrszuma@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: mrsmargaret_zuma@k.ro
Date: Sun, 23 Oct 2005 23:02:20 +0000
Subject: I solicit your attention

Dear Friend,

I am wife of sacked deputy President of South Africa Jacob zuma.

It is out of desperation i am sending you this email. My husband and i need
your help to front for us as owners of funds that are his which might come
under investigation if
the funds ownership is not changed soonest.

As my husband's finances are increasingly becoming the source of
investigation by our detractors.The source of this funds which my husband's
earnings would not validate
will further sink him into the cesspool dug by our enemies.It is because of
the dire situation we find ourselves that we resolve to reach you and ask
for your assistance in this matter.

It is only customary in Africa when one occupies such high position like my
husband did, to enjoy the privilege of being presented with gratifications
sometimes through the award of contracts. Especially by companies that came
into operation during his tenure. But due to the recent plot by our
detractors towards my husband, hence we immediately wish to move some funds
away that his income cannot account for and which came in form of
gratification while he was in office.

We are averse to letting those we know here into this transaction because
we are no longer sure who our friends are.You will be handsomely rewarded
if you choose to help us in partnership in this deal.If you are willing to
assist us, please do reply me through this e-mail address
mrsmargaret_zuma@k.ro


I will be expecting to hear from you as soon as possible, and will disclose
further details to you upon your response. Do well not to disclose the
content of this mail to anyone.

Best Regards
Mrs. Margaret Zuma


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