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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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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.

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:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "dear beloved," (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "a security company " (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. Never ever send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally. )
  • "million dollars" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
  • "abidjan" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
  • "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
• This email message is a "dying widow" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: Sarah Jones <sarah_jones053@hotmail.fr>
Reply-To: <sara_jones2006@yahoo.fr>
Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:51:16 +0200
Subject: From Mrs Sarah Jones.



From Mrs Sarah Jones.

Dear Beloved,

I am Mrs Sarah Jones from New Zealand. I was married to late Mr Kingsley Jones, who worked with New Zealand Embassy in Ivory Coast for Ten years before he died in 2002, after a brief illness that lasted for only 6 days. We were married for Eighteen years with a daughter (Linda) who later died in a motor accident. Before the untimely death of my husband, we were both born again Christians. Since after his death I decided not to remary or get a child outside my matrimonial home which the Bible is against. When my late husband was alive he deposited the Sum of US$16.5 Million Dollars ( Sixteen Million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollar ) in a Security Company here in Abidjan, Cote d Ivoire. this money was to be invested in the real Estate before the death of my husband. Presently this money is still with the Security Company.

Recently, Following my illness, my Doctor told me that I may not last for the next eight months due to my cancer problem.The one that disturbs me most is my stroke sickness. Having known my condition I decided to donate this fund to a Christian Organization (Church) that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct herein, according to the desire of my late husband before his death. I want this fund to be used in Christain Activities like, Orphanages, Christian schools, and Churches for propagating the word of God and to endeavour that the house of God is maintained. The Bible made us to understand that "Blessed is the hand giveth". I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband relatives are not Christians and I don't want my husband's efforts to be used by unbelievers. I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly way. This is why I am taking this decision.

I am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going. I know that I am going to be in the bossom of the Lord. Exodus 14 VS 14 says that "the lord will fight my case and I shall hold my peace". I don't need any telephone communication in this regard because of my health and hence the presence of my husband's relatives around me always. I don't want them to know about this development. With God all things are possible. As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the Security Company where this money is deposited here in Abidjan. I will also issue you the documents that will prove you the present beneficiary of this fund. I want you and the Church to always pray for me because the lord is my shephard. My happiness is that I lived a life of a worthy Christian. Whoever that Wants to serve the Lord must serve Him in spirit and Truth. Please always be prayerful all through your life. Contact me soon as you get this mail, any delay in your reply may give me room in sourcing another Church or person for this same purpose. Please endeavour to email me back if you are interested in this transaction. Please assure me that you will act accordingly as i stated herein. Hoping to read from you soon.

Remain blessed in the Lord.

Yours in Christ,
Mrs Sarah Jones.
_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam