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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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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "MR. MICHEAL I. GUERE" <mg6@worldemail.com> (may be fake)
Reply-To: michealg6@worldemail.com
Date: Wed, 8 Feb 2006 18:46:20 +0700
Subject: URGENT BUSINESS INQUIRY.

ATTENTION: CEO/MANAGING DIRECTOR
FROM: Mr. Micheal I. Guere
EMAIL: mg6@worldemail.com

I do recognize the surprise this urgent but confidential letter will bring to you especially as it came from a stranger, but rest assured that it came with best of intentions. First, I must introduce myself I am Mr. Micheal I. Guere from the diamond-rich district of Sierra Leone and my father was the former Special adviser to the ousted Head of State of Sierra Leone, Major Johnny Paul Koroma.

I got your address and other details from the International Chamber of Commerce here in South Africa.During the war between our forces led by the Ex-Head of State, Major Johnny Koroma and the West African Allied Forces (ECOMOG), my country relied heavily on foreign earnings generated from diamond trade. This money was personally kept by the then President, Major Johnny Paul Koroma since our banking system had collapsed during the war.However, as the war progressed, it became apparent that we were going to loose the war to the superior and better armed West African Allied Force (ECOMOG).

At this point, the key officers of the administration started making frantic efforts on how to leave Sierra Leone safely thereby sharing the proceeds/money from this diamond trade. In view of the fact that my father was one of the key officers of then administration and an In- law to Major Paul Koroma, he succeeded in getting a huge amount of money We made arrangement and transferred the money through diplomatic means to South Africa, where I am presently living in exile as an asylum seeker but unfortunately, my father died of heart attack after a few months of exile in South Africa and automatically, I came in total control of the said money as the only surviving son.

Upon our arrival in South Africa after due consideration, we deposited the money with a Security Company for security reasons. The actual content was not disclosed to them (Security Company) pending when we see a trust worthy person who will assist us in transferring this money to his account outside South Africa, as the strict Monetary laws here do not allow asylum seekers certain financial rights.I shall be most grateful if you can assist me accomplish this transaction and hoping too that you will remain trustworthy.

Please, note that I have made arrangements for a successful deal. As such, the only thing I ask from you is total assistance to transfer this money, complete trust and assurance that my own part of the money will be safe when transferred to your account. I would also wish you kept this proposal highly confidential and secret considering my father's position before his death and the source of the money.

If you are interested in assisting me, Please contact me through the above E-mail .

Thanking you in advance for your anticipated co-operation.

Yours faithfully,

Mr. Micheal I. Guere.


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