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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: smith john <smithjohn11111s@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: austinraymondss@yahoo.com
Date: Sat, 24 Mar 2007 04:31:31 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS!


I have a new email address!You can now email me at: smithjohn11111s@yahoo.com



- Dear Friend,You may receive this mail as a surprise but the real truth is that you,have been selected to be compensated with a sum of One Million Five,Hundred Dollars which will be sent by classified courier service,to you. This was made possible by a random computer chosen of your,email address as a benefactor of this programm which is a joint project,Mobile Oil Company Plc and MTN.Therefore, you are requested to contact immediately Austin Raymond this,emailaddress: austinraymondss@yahoo.com for more details on how possible,to receive your funds.Give him your full name and address, Your mobile number Your occupation,and your age.And any form of Identification.Have a nice day and Congratulation,Regards,Smith John


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