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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: douglas george <douglas_george02@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 26 Oct 2006 03:55:45 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: URGENT ATTENTION


Respectful one,

Good a thing to write you. I have a proposal for you this however is not mandatory nor will I in any manner compel you to honor against your will.

I am Abdul Kazeem, 25 years old and the only son of my late parents Mr. and Mrs.Kazeem. My father was a highly reputable business magnet-(a cocoa merchant) who operated in the capital of Ivory Coast during his days. It is sad to say that he passed away mysteriously in France during one of his business trips abroad on the 12th day of February. 2003.

Though his sudden death was linked or rather suspected to have been masterminded by an uncle of his who traveled with him at that time. But God knows the truth! My mother died when I was just 4years old, and since then my father took me so special. Before his death on February 12th 2003 he called the secretary who accompanied him to the hospital and told her that he had a sum of 9.500,000 US DOLLARS (NINE MILLION FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS) kept in a security company in (AFRICA) here in Abidjan Ivory Coast.

He also said that the security company does not know the content of the safe Box. He declared it as family treasure and used my name to Deposit the money as his first son for next of kin. He also explained to her that it was because of this wealth that he was poisoned by his business associates, That I should seek for a foreign partner in a country of my choice where I will transfer this money to and use it for lucrative investment purposes. I want you to assist me in clearing this fund into your account overseas as a beneficiary of the fund, and also use it for an investment purpose.

I am just 25 years old and a university undergraduate and really don't know what to do. Now I want an account overseas where I can transfer these funds. This is because I have suffered a lot of set backs as a result of incessant political crisis here in Ivory coast. The death of my father actually brought sorrow to my life. Dearest one, I am in a sincere desire of your humble assistance in this regards your suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded.

Now permit me to ask these few questions:-
1. Can you honestly help me as your son or brother?
2. Can I completely trust you?
3. What percentage of the total amount in question will be good for you after the money is in your account?

Please, consider this and get back to me as soon as possible.
Sincerely yours,
Abdul Kazeem

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