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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: "mary nelson" <mary_nels01@msn.com>
Date: Thu, 05 Jan 2006 04:47:43 +0000
Subject: Hello

Dear: Friend

From Mrs Mary Nelson
 
I am the above named person but now undergoing medical treatment in the (UCTH).I am married to Dr.Olumide George Nelson , who worked with the Nigeria Embassy in South Africa for nine years before he died in the year 2000.Before his death we were both devoted christains.Since his death, I decided not to re-marry or get a child outside my matrimonial home, which the bible is against. When my late husband was alive, he deposited thsum of $17.6 Million (Seventeen Million six hundred thousand U.S. Dollars) with one Finance/Security company in a country in Africa here .Presently, this Money is still with the security company.
 
Recently,my doctor told me that I would not last for The next three months due to cancer problem. Though what disturbs me most is my stroke. Having known this condition, I have decided to donate this fund to orphanages and widows propagating the world of God and to ensure that the house of God is maintained. The Bible made us to understand that blessed is the hand that giveth.I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband 's relatives are not devoted Christians don't want a situation where this money will be used in an un-Godly manner, hence the reason for taking this bold decision. I know that I am going to be in the bosom of the Lord. Exodus 14 VS 14 says that; The Lord Will Fight My Case And I Shall Hold My Peace. I don't need any telephone conversation in this regard because of my health, and because of the presence of my husband's relatives who are always around me. I don't 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 and all the documents covering this fund with the Security/ Finance Company in Africa that will empower you as the original -beneficiary Of the funds. I want you, the orphanage and widows to always pray for me because the Lord Is My Shepherd. Any delay in your response will give me the room of sourcing for a ;Non-Profit/NGO that cares for Orphanages/widows. Please assure me that you will act accordingly  as I stated herein. Hoping to hear from you.
 
Remain Blessed In The Name Of The Lord.Please send your response to my private e-mail address as the one i am using was bought to me by my late husban brother. send your response to my private e-mail address stated here: marynelson01@myway.com
 
Regards,
Mrs.Mary Nelson
--

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