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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: "Mrs. Marion Woods" <marion-woods@mmail.com>
Date: Thu, 06 Jul 2006 08:17:08 +0100
Subject: URGENT


Hello Sir/Madam,

You may be surprised to receive this unsolicited mail as it may appear to be. Sorry to bother you any way.
Glory be to God, My names are Mrs. Marion Woods from America married to Rev. Brown D. Woods who works with America embassy in England. We were both married for years without children.
I do not intend to waste much of your time. My husband left some money for me which i intend to give out for charity purpose but to a God fearing individual or firm that will receive and use the money to help orphanages and widows alike. I am looking for someone that I can trust to handle this funds.

Because of the present condition of my health, i have taken the decision to give the bulk of the money out. Since i do not have a child and going by my late husbands belief in giving to the less previlaged, i am most certain that Richard will be most pleased because i guess he sees me and always by me.
I wish for a honest and decent person to assist me and i assure you that as soon as you can garantee me of your trust and honestly i will be able to work with you. As soon as you get intouch with me i will tell you all that we need to do. A detail of true and efficient orphanages and homes will gladden my heart .
Contact me on my private email address below.

Email: Marion-Woods@hotmail.com

May God bless you.
Mrs. Marion Woods.

Anti-fraud resources: