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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: "Paul Balim" <paub_uk3@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 18 Feb 2006 21:59:24 +0200
Subject: Director

MR Paul Balim ,
TEL: 27-781870395


Dear,

With due respect, trust and humility,I write to you irrespective of the fact
that you do not know me. Let me formally introduce myself. I am MR Paul
Balim I served as a personal military advisor during the aborted rule of
late President Laurent Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo(D.R.C) who
was assassinated on January 16, 2001, by one of his close aides. I came
across your contact courtesy of the world business journal from the
Johannesburg chamber of commerce, in my earnest search for a reliable and
trust worthy individual who can help me handle this confidential business.

On May 17, 1997, after months of guerrilla warfare, late President Kabila
came to power by successfully ousting the former dictator, late President
Mobutu Sees Seko. After assuming office on May 29, 1997, Late President
Desire Laurent Kabila, a former rebel leader, fought a rebellion from The
disaffected Tutsis from Goma in the Eastern Congo (D.R.C), backed by
Rwanda,Uganda and Burundi till late.The late president Kabila had arranged
under my care for arms purchase from the Republic of South Africa worth
US$28M (Twenty Eight Million United States Dollars) cash. This money was
brought into South Africa through diplomatic means. Soon after the news of
President Kabila’s Death reached while in Johannesburg, South Africa, I
decided to keep this money for personal purposes. Presently, the money is
deposited and secured in the vaults of a private security company in
Johannesburg for safekeeping.

Presently, I am residing temporarily in Johannesburg pending the outcome
ofan appeal filed on my behalf by my attorney for the department of
Homeaffairs to grant me asylum status. At the moment I am in a dilemma on
how to move this money safely out of South Africa, due to it’s government
monetary policies, rules and regulations. Moreover owing to sensitive and
volatile political status of the region, it would be most dangerous to
attemptinvestments here as such act could jeopardize my chances.

In recognition of your personal executive powers and investment
opportunities that abound in your country, I solicit for your assistance in
moving this money into your bank account for safekeeping pending my
arrival for investment. I have resolved to adequately compensate you by
offering a brokerage commission of 25% net pre-transfer expenses you may
incure, 5% set
aside for general expenses and 70% for investment and I guarantee that all
expenses during the transaction are subject to refund.

I must emphasize that this proposal requires a high degree of
confidentiality and mutual trust. I have in mind to establish a genuine
business relationship with you in the nearest future, if you will be able to
help me. Please let me receive your approval or reply by direct faxing or
telephone and feel free to ask questions you may consider relevant.

Please accept my warm compliments, as I earnestly await your urgent reply.

YOURS FAITHFULLY,

MR Paul Balim

_________________________________________________________________
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