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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: "geosus" <geosus@terra.com.mx>
Date: Fri, 5 Jan 2007 13:40:12 +0000
Subject: Remain Bless In Jesus Name


Dearest Friend
May Almighty God be with you, and how are you doing?. My intention of contacting you is to solicit your assistance for a project, which will be mutually beneficial. Though I know my decision to contact you is to a large extent unconventional, the prevailing circumstances necessitated my action. I am Mrs. Georgina Swenson from Seychelles. I am married to late JohnSon Clarke Swenson of blessed memory who was an oil explorer in Libya and Kuwait for twelve years before he died in the year 2000. We were married for twelve years without a child. He died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days. Before his death we were both devoted Christians. Since his death I too have been battling with both Cancer and fibroid problems. When my late Husband was alive he made a huge deposit in millions of US dollars with a Deposit Company in overseas. (I will tell you the amount as we proceed).
Recently, my doctor told me that I have only six months to live due to blood cancer problem. Though what disturbs me, mostly my stroke sickness. Having known my condition I decided to donate this fund to either a Christian's organization or devoted Christian individual that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct herein.I want this Christian organization or individual to use this money in all sincerity to fund churches, orphanages, widows, and also propagating the word of God and to ensure that the society upholds the views and belief of the Holy Bible.
The Holy Bible emphasizes so much on GOD benevolence and this has encourage me to take the bold step. I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband relatives are into some radical Organizations and I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an unholy manner. Hence the reasons for this bold decision. I know that after death I will be with Bosom of our Lord the most beneficent and the most merciful. I don't need any telephone communication in this regard because of my h ealth, because of the presence of my husband's relatives around me always. I don't want them to know about this development. With God all things are possible. As soon as I receive your reply on Email:geosus@email.ro, I shall give you the contact information of the Deposit Company in oversea where the money was deposited. I will also issue a letter of authority to the Deposit Company authorizing them that the said fund have being willed to you and a copy of such authorization will be forwarded to you. I want you and the Christian community where you reside to always pray for me. My happiness is that I lived a true devoted christian worthy of emulation. Whoever that wants to serve God must serve him in truth and in fairness. I will not stipulate any precise amount to reward you, as it will have to be on pre-negotiated terms, based on your level of involvement.
Please always be prayerful all through your life. Any delay in your reply will give room in sourcing for a Christian organization or a devoted Christian for this same purpose. Until I hear from you by email, my dreams will rest squarely on your Shoulders.
May the Almighty God continue to guide and protect you.
Mrs. Georgina Swenson.

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