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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: bernicedos3@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Mon, 01 May 2006 13:02:38 +0200
Subject: URGENT !!!

Att Please,
I am Mrs. Bernice Dos Santos a citizen Angola .I am 45years old with two children
Presently residing in South Africa because of the political crisis in my
Country. I got your contact in strict confidence through South Africa Chamber of Commerce.
I would Honestly want to seek for an immediate assistance from you, I
Have $15 Million US dollars belonging to my late husband Mr. Desmond
Dos Santos. Who was held bondage by the Rebels during the crisis and was letter killed.
I ran to South Africa refugee Camp when I Discovered danger to my life and
that of my two children until the death of my beloved husband.
He packed the above mentioned Amount in a METAL TRUNK BOX and deposited it with
A SECURITY COMPANY in South Africa for safe keeping I have every Documents regards the
Money I have contacted the SECURITY COMPANY and confirmed the
Safety of the money/inheritance,
As it is, I have the intention of investing the money oversees and
However needed a Foreigner who is capable of giving adequate assistance to
me by the way of clearing the money from the SECURITY COMPANY and
Thereafter forwarding it to your Account for investments.
I have nice percentage of the money for you. If Necessary, Please do
Feel free to ask me questions on this as I wait for your reply soonest.
Thanks.
Mrs. Bernice Dos Santos

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