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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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Fraud email example:

From: abelebel@inbox.com
Date: Thu, 03 Nov 2005 07:53:44 +0200
Subject: Business




I am Chief Abel Ebifemowei,a cousin and personal assistant to the
Governor of Oil rich Bayelsa State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Chief
Diepreye Alamieyeseigha,who is presently undergoing trial in United Kingdom for
money laundering and illegal possesion of large amount of cash.


Following the sudden arrest of my cousin and Governor in United Kingdom
on 15th September 2005, I have been thrown into a state of utter confusion,
frustration and hopelessness by the present civilian administration, I have been
subjected to physical and psychological torture by the security agents in the
country.Infact I escaped from the security operatives and presently
hiding in a remote creek in my state. I have lost confidence in so many people
within the country.


You must have heard on the media and the internet on reports about the
recovery of sums of money totalling Three Million Two Hundred Thousand United
States Dollars (US$3.2 Million) deposited by my Governor in United Kingdom and
the seizure of his properties valued at over Ten Million Pounds Sterling.
Dear Friend if the truth must be told,my cousin is facing political persecution in
the present day Nigeria because of his believe that our people who are
largely marginalised should control our God given Oil resources which is
abundantly situated in our state.Infact the money found on him was meant towards
the realisation of this noble goal.Due to this our government is not
relenting in their effort in making us poor for life such that our freedom will not
see the light of the day.

Dear friend,I got your contacts through my personal research, and out
of desperation decided to reach you through this medium.I am willing to
give you more information on how to proceed as soon as you reply. I repose great
confidence in you hence my approach to you due to security network
placed on my daily affairs.I cannot afford to visit the embassy so that is why I
decided to contact you and I hope you will not betray my confidence in you. I have
deposited the sum of USD$50.0 million United states dollars on behalf
of my Governor with a security firm abroad whose name is withheld for now
until we open proper communication.


I shall be grateful if you could receive this fund into your care for
safekeeping.I have been approved to deal directly with you as regards
to getting the funds released to you without problems.


You could as well visit these websites below to see things by your
self,

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4291350.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4253362.stm
http://nm.onlinenigeria.com/templates/?a=5291&z=10

I am seriously considering to settle down abroad in a friendly
atmosphere like yours as soon as this fund get into your care so that I can start all
over again if only you wish, but if it is impossible, just help me in
diverting this fund into a safe bank account.For your assistance we have decided to
give you 20% of this fund

Please honesty is the watch word in this transaction, I will give you a
more detailed information once I hear from you. Finally if you are unwilling
to assist please do not disclose the content of this communication to a
third party as I am giving you this information in total trust and
confidence, I will greatly appreciate it if you accept my proposal in good faith.


I thank you for your anticipated kind assistance and do endeavour to
respond through my private email address .For security and confidentiality regarding this
transaction please quote (AE/01) in your response.


Yours faithfully,

Chief Abel Ebifemowei.

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