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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

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

Fraud email example:

From: "sarah awah" <sarahawah@sanimha.com>
Reply-To: sarahawah@yahoo.com
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 2005 16:01:47 +0000
Subject: #plea for help#

From:Sarah Awah.
Abidjan,Republic of Cote d'ivoire.

Dear Respectful One,

Good a thing to write you. I have a proposal for you-this however is not
mandatory nor will I in any manner compel you to honour against your will.

I am Sarah Awa.22years old and the only Daughter of my late parents Mr.and
Mrs.Awa. My father was a highly reputable busnness magnet-(a cocoa
merchant)who operated in the capitalof Ivory coast during his days. It is
sad to say that he passed away mysteriously in France during one of his
business trips abroad year 12th.Febuary 2003.Though his sudden death was
linked or rather suspectedto have been masterminded by an uncle of his who
travelled with him at that time.

But God knows the truth!

My mother died when I was just 6 years old,and since then my father took me
so special. Before his death on Febuary 12 2003 he called the secretary who
accompanied him to the hospital and told him that he has the sum of Four
million,seven hundred thousand United State Dollars.(USD$4.700,000) left in
fixed deposit account in one of the leading banks in Africa. He further told
him that he deposited the money in my name,and finally issued a written
instruction to his lawyer whom he said is in possession of all the necessary
but legal documents to this fund and the bank.

I am just 22 years old and a university undergraduate and really don't know
what to do.Now I want an account overseas where I can transfer this funds.
This is because I have suffered a lot of set backs as a result of incessant
political crisis here in Ivory coast.The death of my father actually brought
sorrow to my life. I am in a sincere desire of your humble assistance in
this regards.Your suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded.

Now permit me to ask these few questions:-

1. Can you honestly help me as your Daughter?
2. Can I completely trust you?

3. What percentage of the total amount in question will be good for you
after the money is in your account?

Please,Consider this and get back to me as soon as possible.

Thank you so much.

My sincere regards.

Sarah Awah.


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