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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: "Bright Charles" <bright_charles002@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: brightcharles_gov@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 04 Aug 2005 14:58:53 +0000
Subject: Best Regard

REQUEST FOR URGENT ASSISTANCE


Dear Friend



I am Hon Bright Charles former finance minister and special advicer to
former Liberian President CHARLES TAYLOR of the Federal Republic of Liberia.
As we arrived
Nigeria it was not what we expected from these people, we were disarmed and
the
treatment that was given to us was unbelievable.
I am contacting you in confidence to help us in collecting the one
trunk box deposited by my boss in Europe (Asia)the consignment contains
US$3,500,000.00(THREE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND U.S DOLLAR)which was
secretly sealed in one big metal box for security reasons. My boss deposited
this money in a
security company in Europe when the America Governments pressurized him to
step
down from the office and went into exile.

I personally therefore appeal to you for your urgent assistance to move
this money into your country where I believe it will be safe since we
cannot leave Nigeria due to the restriction of movement imposed on us
as a people under political asylum in this country Nigeria.Every
arrangement has been being made by me for a lawyer to meet with you face to
face
for the completion of this transaction.
Presently I can not go to the Security Company in Europe to claim the
funds because of the restriction of movement imposed on my boss and myself.
My lawyer?s friend in Nigeria has asked me to make contact and get a
reliable person that can help us claim the consignment. It has been resolved
that 30% will be the person's share for nominating an account for the
purpose and any other assistance you will give in this regard,10% has been
slated for the reimbursement of all local and international expenses which
may
be incurred in the transfer process. Finally, 60% will come to myself
and my boss, which is to buy shares and stock in country to secure my
children's future, To facilitate the conclusion of this transaction if
accepted,
do send me promptly by email the following:

(1) your full name and address.

(2) Company?s name and address .

(3) Telephone and Fax number.

Please note that I have assured that the transaction will be concluded
within 14 workingdays upon my receiving from you the above listed
information.
The lawyer shall commence the process by contacting the Security
Company in Europe informing them that you will be coming to pick up the
consignment where the Security Company has it office for easy collection.
This will
happen as soon as I hear from you.
May I at this point, emphasis the high level of confidentiality, which
the business demands and hope you will not betray the trust and
confidence, which I repose in you. However, you may need to give me
sufficient
assurance that you will not sit on this fund when this is finally remitted
into
your account.
As soon as I receive your response shall forward to my
attorney the information to enable Him contact you for more details. You
will
have to liaise with him for a smooth transfer of the fund. I shall forward
to you the certificate of deposit and other vital document to enable you
clearthe funds.


Best regards

Hon. Bright Charles

Email: brightcharles_gov@yahoo.com


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