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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.Donald Cole" <exponent_2@iwon.com>
Reply-To: donalcole_116@yahoo.es
Date: Wed, 6 Jun 2007 23:35:36 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Urgent Attention.........



Dear Friend,My name is Donald Cole, a senior staff and auditor head of computing department here in our bank.I have only written to seek your indulgence and assistance. I wish to make a transfer involving a huge amount worth Twenty nine Million Pounds Sterling.I am proposing to make this transfer to a designated bank account of your choice.Thus,i need your indulgence and support, I propose an offer of 30% of the total amount to be yours after the transfer has been successfully concluded.Remember this is absolutely confidential,as I am seeking your assistance as the beneficiary of this unclaimed funds,since we are not allowed to operate a foreign account,Your contact phone numbers and name will be necessary for this effect,I have reposed my confidence in you and hope that you will not disappoint me.Kindly reply me stating your interest,and I shall furnish you with the details and necessary proceedure with which to make the transfer. I anxiously await your response through my
private mail box at: donaldprivate_2007@yahoo.comThanks and Godbless.Sincerely Yours,Mr.Donald Cole

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