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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 John Pursel <j_pursel20@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2007 02:24:01 -0600
Subject: private



Dear Friend, My name is Mr.John Pursel, I retired from a Financial Company here in London. I have a Business Proposal of Twenty Million United State Dollars only ( $20,000,000.00) for you to handle with me as a partner in your country.This is a legitimate business investment with no risk involved if we work according to as planned. and agreed. I will need you to assist me in executing this business project from London to your country. I need to know if you will be able to handle this with me in honesty and trust before I explain it to you in details ? If you are interested , do contact me via my E-mail address. Kind Regards, Mr.John Pursel
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