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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: thomas michael <atitom025@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <atitom@sify.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:04:40 +0000
Subject: From me, Thomas



With respect,I am Thomas Michael and My sister Theresa Michael Our parents Mr. and Mrs. David Michael were assassinated here in IVORY COAST. Before my father's death he had SEVEN MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS kept in a well concealed trunk box and deposited with a secutity company here in Abidjan. I want you to do me a favour to receive these funds to a safe account in your country or any safer place as the beneficiary. I have plans to do investment in your country, like in real estate and or industrial production(s). This is my reason for writing to you. Please if you are willing to assist me and my only sister, indicate your interest by replying. Thanks and best regard.Thomas Michael.
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