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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: "karen smith" <karenstamps202@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: karenstamps201@uku.co.uk
Date: Tue, 15 Nov 2005 19:34:14 +0000
Subject: BRETHREN

From: Mrs.Karen Walter Smith.
26 Kensington Court,
London, England.

I am the above named person but now undergoing medical treatment in London,
England. I am married to Dr. Jim Walter Smith who worked withBritish Railway
Commission in Chelsea England for over a decade before he died on 5th of
July in the year 2003. We were married for fifteen years without a child. He
died after a brief illness that lasted for two weeks. Before his death he
made a vow to use his wealth for the down trodden and the less privileged in
the society. Since his death I decided not to re-marry or get a child
outside my matrimonial home.

When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of $10 Million (Ten
Million Dollars) in a Vault with a Security/Finance House in UK. Presently,
this money is still with there. Recently, my Doctor told me that I would not
last for the next 150days due to cancer problem. Though what disturbs me
most is my stroke. Having known my condition I decided to donate this fund
to an individual or better still a God fearing person who will utilize this
money the way I am going to instruct here in. I want an individual that will
use this to fund and provide succor to poor and indigent persons,
orphanages, and above all those affected in the Tsunami in far Asia.

I understand that blessed is the hand that giveth. I took this decision
because I do not have any child that will inherit this money and my husband
relatives are not inclined to helping poor persons and I do not want my
husbands hard earned money to be misused or spent in the manner in which my
late husband did not specify. I do not want a situation where this money
will be used in an ungodly manner, hence the reason for taking this bold
decision. I am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going. I know
that I am going to be in the bosom of the Almighty.

I do not need any telephone communication in this regard because of my
health, and because of the presence of my husband's relatives around me
always. I do not want them to know about this development. With God all
things are possible. As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the
contact of the Security/Finance House in UK. I will also issue you a letter
of authority that will empower you as the original beneficiary of this
fund,through my Lawyer. I want you to always pray for me. My happiness is
that I lived a life worthy of emulation. Whosoever that wants to serve the
Almighty must serve him with all his heart and mind and soul and also in
truth. Please always be prayerful all through your life.

Any delay in your reply will give me room in sourcing for an individual for
this same purpose. Please assure me that you will act according to my
specification herein. Hoping to hear from you. Thank you and may the
Almighty bless you.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs. Karen Walter Smith(Benefactor)


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