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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: John Fisher <johnfisher@helloworld.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Dec 2006 16:07:03 -0800 (PST)
Subject: PLEASE GET BACK TO ME




Reply ma at johnfisher_022@yahoo.co.uk


Standard Bank London,
5th Floor,
Cannon Bridge House,
25 Dowgate Hill,
London EC4R2SB,
United Kingdom

 
13/12/2006.
 
 
Good day,
 
With due respect I would like to disclose a mutual transaction to you. I am Mr. John Fisher, working in the Base Metals Trading Department of Standard Bank London. We have a consignment in our custody valued at $25,000,000.00 USD (Twenty Five Million, United States Dollars) which was deposited by one of our customers in 2001.
For the past four years it is been recorded in our computer system that the beneficiary of the deposited consignment is dead and up till date we have not received any signal from his relatives for claiming of the deposited consignment. Further to the above, my Boss and I, resolved to solicit for your cooperation to move out this money  for your collection as the beneficiary. We will be responsible for all the documentations that will give your claim all legal backing needed as the next of kin.

 
However, as soon as I receive favorable response from you, indicating your full names, telephone and fax numbers, then I will update you on the mapped out procedures towards the success of this transaction. Note that this deal is 100% risk free and shall be concluded within five (5) working days. We shall be compensating you with Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00USD) on the conclusion of this deal, while the rest shall be for us for investment purpose in your country.

 
I am looking forward to your kindly response through my personal email.

 
Best Regards,
Mr. John Fisher.
Tel: +44- 70240261697, +44- 70240261668.

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