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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: "Patricia Kome" <pk2020i@hotmail.com>
Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2006 10:29:05 +0000
Subject: thanks

Good day Mr VICTIMNAME,

Thanks for your reply to my request for help .

Be informed again that as serving Financial Controller in the Federal
Ministry of Science and Technology, my late husband operated a secrete
account in one commercial bank here into which the sum of US$5million was
lodged.

Since his death, life has been very bitter with me and my children. Our hope
of making life comfortable now lies in the transfer of this fund. Let me
assure you again that this transfer is 100% risk-free. You have nothing to
worry or be afraid of.

For helping, you will have 10% share of the money. Note that you are to
stand in as owner of the money.

Meanwhile, send to me immediately the following information so that we can
proceed with the necessary paperwork.

1. Your full Names
2. Your Physical Contact Address
3. Telephone Number(s)
4. Fax Number(s)
5. First five pages of your International Passport or Driving License.

Forward a contact telephone number so that I can call you for more
discussion on this matter.

I will like you to reach me henceforth through this address.

Best Wishes,

Mrs Patricia Kome

_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources: