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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: "James Akande" <mrakande27@rediffmail.com>
Date: 10 Dec 2006 07:31:51 -0000
Subject: Hello Friend


Please Reply E-Mail To:mrakande_jim@yahoo.com.hk&nbsp;Dear Friend,&nbsp;I am a project manager with the Federal Ministry of Works &amp; Housing (FMW&amp;H). I obtained your email from the internet, while searching for a reliable person, who could assist us in receiving cash gift from contractors awarded contracts executed under the current budgetary allocation for NDDC.&nbsp;These bills had been approved for payment by the concerned ministry. The contracts had been executed and commissioned.What we are about to receive now, is a promised cash gift from the contractors whom we have helped during the process of obtaining the contracts and in the processing of their payments. On our part, all modalities had been worked out in ensuring a smooth conclusion of the transfer to you within the next twenty one days. All I want from you is your details to enable these foreign contractors forward the cash gift to you on our behalf, because as government officials we cannot collect these!
cash gift directly from them, neither are we allowed by law to operate/run a foreign accounts.&nbsp;If you are trustworthy and can assist me in receiving these cash gift, I will like you to provide immediately to me, your full names, address, and telephone number.&nbsp;Please note that there will be no financial obligation required from you and this transaction is risk free. For each cash you receive on our behalf, you will be entitled to 10% of that sum. As soon as you indicate your interest, further instructions will be passed on to you on the procedure that we will follow in accomplishing this deal.Kindly reach me immediately via my confidential e-mail address (mrakande_jim@yahoo.com.hk) furnishing me with your details as stated above.Looking forward to hearing from you.&nbsp;Best regards,&nbsp;Mr.James Akande.

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