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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: "ERIC AHOVA" <drericahova@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: ericahova@she.com
Date: Wed, 19 Oct 2005 20:45:32 -0500
Subject: INVESTMENT PLAN:

Dear Sir,


INVESTMENT PLAN:

FROM:DR.ERIC AHOVA.

E-MAIL:drericahova@she.com

I am writing you with 'trust & honesty' to join me to invest a
colossal amount of money in any lucrative investment in
your country.

I'm former Special Security Operative on financial matters
to the former president of Liberia - Charles Taylor. During
the 12 years war, which ended few years ago, President
Charles Taylor entrusted the sum of United States Dollar
One Hundred Million (US$100M) to me to lodge in the account
operated by me on his behalf. The funds were moved through a
Special Diplomatic arrangement to Europe.

On arrival in Europe with the funds, I have decided to
convert these funds into partnership project, since Charles
Taylor has stepped down as Liberian President under the
pressure of African Union (AU) and the Commonwealth
countries. He has been restricted to travel to any country
in the world, apart from the country where he is in exile
in Africa. Besides, Charles Taylor has been indicted for
War Crime and the U.S government wants him to appear
before the War Tribunal now presiding in Freetown,
Sierra Leone. The entire funds are in my possession now.
And he doesn't know my way about up till day.

I have decided to use these funds for investments where
Liberians will benefit. I'm contacting you to meet my sole
Agent in Europe to act as the beneficiary to enable us move the
money from there to where the investment will take place.
The funds have been disguised, secured in a warehouse
in Europe as goods for export. The warehouse has been
bought by me and part of it is used for printing works etc.
I only need a foreigner to act as beneficiary, open account
and lodge the funds. I will approve 20% of the total funds
for your participation and supervisory works during such
investments.

If you are willing to join in the investment, kindly confirm your flight
and meet him in person here in Europe to discuss and
conclude the transaction amicably.

This is not terrorist money, not drug money or anything
that involve risk of life. These funds will be used to
erect a foundation, build estate/workshop where those
millions of my country men/women roaming all over the world
will benefit.

Contact me immediately if you are interested, to brief you
further.

Thanks for your cooperation.

Best regards.

Dr.Eric Ahova.


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