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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: "Botha Owen" <botha.owen@email.bg>
Date: Fri, 05 Oct 2007 18:03:44 +0300
Subject: ***From Botha Owen***


Dear Friend,&nbsp;I am making this contact based on my Department needs an
individual/company who can help us with the transfer of a contract
entitlement.&nbsp;This amount (US$14.5M) represents the balance of the total
contract value executed on behalf of my Department by a foreign contracting
firm. This amount we have gotten approval to transfer abroad to any foreign
bankaccount.&nbsp;This transactionis 100% safe and legal in all areas, we are
only handicapped in the circumstances, as the South African Civil Service Code
of Conduct does not allow us to operate offshore account hence your importance
in the whole transaction.&nbsp;I have the authority of my colleagues involved
to propose that should you be willing to assist us in this transaction your
share as compensation will be US$4.35M(30%), while my colleagues and I receive
US$8.75M (60%)and the balance of US$1.45M (10%) for taxation and miscellaneous
expenses incurred.&nbsp;We have reposed our confidences in you and hope that
you will not disappoint us. Kindly send me your direct telephone/fax number
to: bothaowen@mac.com to enable me reach with further details upon your
acceptance to help us.&nbsp;Once again, Please remember that time is of great
essence in this transaction. I will appreciate your prompt response.&nbsp;I
wait in anticipation of your fullest
co-operation.&nbsp;Yoursfaithfully,&nbsp;Engr. Botha Owen.

Anti-fraud resources: