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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: steven brown <steven_brown888@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <steven_brown009@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Fri, 1 Jun 2007 11:18:52 +0000
Subject: Investment Mail.


Hello Sir,

My name is Mr Steven Brown, I am the auditor and head of computing department of CitiGroup bank here in London,United Kingdom. There is an account opened in this bank in 1998 and since my Inception into office in 2001, nobody has operated on this account.I have the courage to look for a reliable and honest person Who will be capable for this important transaction.

In order to transfer out £15,000,000.00 (Fifteen Million Pounds Sterling) After going through some old files, I discovered that if i do not Remit this money out urgently; it will be forfeited for nothing.

My physical arrival in your country for the sharing and possible
investments.You stand to get 35% of the total sum while 5% will be for expenses that will be in cured during the Process of this transfer and the remaining 60% will be for me.

I will fill you in with further details upon your reply, God bless you upon your comprehensive attention towards this important transaction.

Thanks Sincerely.
Mr Steven Brown.
_________________________________________________________________
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