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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: ANN ELIZA TONY ZOUNDE <clarification@rediffmail.com>
Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2007 21:58:47 +0200
Subject: RESPOND AS URGENT


Dear Sir/Madam,

I greet you in the Name of GOD. I am MRS ANN ELIZA TONY ZOUNDE from South Africa. I am married to Late MR.JOHNSON TONY of blessed memory who was oil explorer in Kuwait and Brunei for fifteen years before he died in the year 2005.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 to our God and respect other who serves Him. Since his death, I too have been battling with both Cancer and fibroid problems. When my late Husband was alive he Deposited the sum of $10.5million(Ten Million, Five Hundred thousand U.S Dollars) in a Security Company in Italy. The money was deposited as Family Valuables/Treasure for security and family reasons. Recently, my doctor told me that I have less than three months to live due to my cancer problem, and this lead to a stroke attack which bother me most though because I cannot move as I use to.

Having known my condition, I decided to entrust this fund to either a philanthropic organization or devoted individual that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct herein. 30% of the US$10.5million (US$3.150 million) goes to you to ensure that you are prepared for the task ahead, 60% of the US$10.5million (US$6.300 million) will be used in all sincerity to fund philanthropic organization,orphanages, widows and 5% of the will go to the family Attorney who will prepare the Authorization and the balance 5% sent to me to at least to prepare for my funeral and off-set my medical bills. I am taking this decision because I don't have any child or devoted relations whose behavior has left much to be desired while I am ill and above all,I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an unGodly manner, hence this bold decision.Since my health is Retrogressing by the minute, you will have to send your POSTAL ADDRESS, CONTACT PHONE NUMBER AND FAX and a little details about yourself, because I got your address from the internet after a thorough search.
  
As soon as I receive this information from you, I will make arrangement
to prepare the Authorization Letter for you to  get Possession of the Deposit.  and the authorization will be  given to you by me, I will give you the name and contact of the Deposit Security Company where the money was deposited in Italy, for claims to the funds. Until I hear from you, I pray that this letter bring you and your family good tiding while my dreams to help Humanity rest squarely on your shoulders. May the Almighty God continue to guide and protect you.

Remain Blessed.

MRS ANN ELIZA TONY ZOUNDE

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