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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: Mr.Martin Bulinga <martinbulinga@netscape.net>
Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2006 09:03:13 +0100
Subject: Re: INVESTMENT PROPOSAL (PLEASE RESPOND BACK TO ME)

MARTINS BULINGA
ZAMBIAN MINISTRY OF MINES AND
NATURAL RESOURCES.
martinbulinga@netscape.net

Dear Prospective Partner,

Permit me to introduce myself my name is Martins Bulinga a Zambian citizen, I got your contact through
the Zambian Chamber of Commerce and Industry through a web based directory while searching for a
foreign partner to execute this project together. I am the close associate to an undisclosed minister (for
the purpose of confidentiality for now)in the present political dispensation of my country. Due to the trust
and confidence reposed on me, he has mandated that I seek out a "Reliable and Trustworthy"
foreign partner who will help receive funds, the funds in question is in safe deposit totaling US$25m
(Twenty Five Million United States American Dollars). This amount has to be lodged into a personal or
company bank account for commitment into any legitimate investment venture for a pre-defined time
frame. We cannot afford to have a direct relationship with any major investment for now by virtue of our
position in Government. We definitely do not want to raise any eyebrows in the ministry as an internal
probe might jeopardize his office.
The fund came about by series of over invoiced contracts and gratification by contractors who have had
their contract entitlement covered by the government. The fund is in safe deposit and free from any
speculation.
However I have managed to push the money abroad through diplomatic coverage to a Courier & Trust
Company and it is presently in custody of an affiliate/sister security company in Europe. Please, be rest
assured this business relationship will bring a long term and lasting relationship between us, before
proceeding with this, terms of agreement will be drawn stating clearly each level of involvement and
commitment in this program. I have the necessary documents backing the deposit to facilitate claim from
the deposit house.
The modality for the disbursement of funds is as follows:
1.50% of the total to us
2.50% to you
All logistics are in place and all modalities worked out for a smooth actualization of the transaction within
the next few working days of commencement.Also be informed that we are conceeding so much of the
funds to you because we shall be providing you with all documents relating to the consignments and also
a power of attorney vesting you with the sole power to act for and on our behalf.You will be reimbursed
with all expenses incured in the process of closing this deal such as cost of transportation to the security
firm and all.
For further details as to the workability of this transaction.please reach me as soon as possible for further
clarification.
Please, on receipt of this mail send me an email on martinbulinga@netscape.net
Thank you and God bless as I await your urgent response.
Yours Sincerely,
Mr. Martin Bulinga

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