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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: mjroscarwest1@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 04 May 2006 21:23:47 +0200
Subject: URGENT ASSISTANCE!!!

Attn: President / Managing Director.

Good day,

My name is Mjr.Oscar West, I am an American
soldier, I am serving in the military of the 1st Armored Division in Iraq, as
you know we are being attacked by insurgents everyday
and car bombs. We managed to move
funds belonging to Saddam Hussein?s family. The total
amount is US$25 Million dollars in cash, mostly 100
dollar bills. We want to move this money to you, so
that you may invest it for us and keep our share for
banking.
We will take 60%, my partner and I. You take the other
40%. No strings attached, just help us move it out of
Iraq, Iraq is a war zone. We plan on using diplomatic
courier and shipping the money out in one large
silver box, using diplomatic immunity.
If you are interested I will send you the full
details, my job is to find a good partner that we can
trust and that will assist us. Can I trust you?
When you receive this letter, kindly send
me an e-mail signifying your interest including your
most confidential telephone/fax
numbers for quick communication also your contact
details. This business is risk free. The box can be
shipped out in 48hrs.

Respectfully,

Mjr. Oscar West

Anti-fraud resources: