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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: engr osvaldo <engr_osvaldo_20@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <engr_osvaldo_abreu@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Mon, 10 Sep 2007 12:01:51 +0200
Subject: Treat as urgent.



Attn:

I make this introduction based on my regard for your credibilty.
My name is Engr. Osvaldo D' Abreu, I work with the Sao Tome and Principe National Petroleum Agency. To be precise, I oversee Europe Operations for the Agency.

My position in the Agency entitles me to recommend oil allocation bidders and actualize oil lifting and exploration allocation licenses to my candidates based on my interest.

In 2003, I facilitate and actualized the license of a candidate, a businessman from Iraq, the license was for 5years at 24 million Barrels/12months. Due to reasons unknown to me, I have not heard from this Man till date.
The License been valid till date (as I always ensure that I keep to my side of the bargain), I have decided to begin using the license from this month.

I am in need of a partner whom I can trust, I will package you as the allocation license beneficiary. Due to my position in the Petroleum Agency, I can not handle this position in the petroleum agency. You have all the qualities needed for this project.

This is why I am contacting you now, with the current of events in Sao Tome and Principe,We shall be able to lift a minimum of 1.5 Million Barrels of Sao Tome Crude oil called Bonny Light Crude oil which is one of the best in the world per month. This will fetch us an average of US$80 Million Per Month. I have ready buyers who would scramble for any number of barrels we lift.
This is what I proposed.1.We have to officially register a company with the Sao Tome NPA which shall be used in place of the initiall license operator.2. I will ensure that our company name is recognized as the license operator and that we have a lay candidate for at least Min of 1Million Barrels per month, A maximum of 2 Million Barrels per month. Sarting from this moment as we officially register a company.3. I will ensure that all lifting procedures are in place and buyers readily available.4. You stands in as the license operator for all the lifting and sales transactions, we shall open a coperate account for the receipt of the oil sale proceeds in which both of us shall be signatory to the account.5. We shall split the oil sale proceeds in the ration of 50-50 equity sharing, Equity will be at the end of every annual quater. Pls Note: No third party arrangement shall be allowed.I believe you are a man of wisdom and intelligence, this offer I make to you is based on utmost good faith.which could be jeopardizing my position in the Agency if word of this project goes out. Therefore without Mincing words, I rely on you for utmost confidentiality on every bit of details relating to this transaction.

I am sending this letter to you via email since I do not have your phone and fax numbers for easier communication, but do not fail to send them while replying to this letter, I am in London at moment, upon your positive response, I will be willing to forward you all proof of my preposition.I look forward to a prospective business relationship between us.Humble Regards,
Engr. Osvaldo D' Abreu.
_________________________________________________________________
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