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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: "consultant stamps" <consultant_stamps103@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: consultantstamps101@uku.co.uk
Date: Sat, 19 Nov 2005 20:02:12 +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 with
British 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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