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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Barrister Frank Smith" <billmail@purcell.biz>
Reply-To: franksmithoffice002@yahoo.co.in
Date: Thu, 24 Jan 2008 16:01:12 -0800
Subject: HELLO DEAR GOOD FRIEND!!!

FRANK SMITH & CO
Legal Practitioner, Solicitors & Notaries
Property & civil law
33 Dolapo mabo streets, Ikeja, Lagos
Email:franksmith1001@yahoo.co.nz



With Due Respect,

Following my previous research, I am very happy to inform you that I have
a good news for you as per regards to the current development of my deceased
client who bears the name of Mr. Thomas a native of your country who was
my trusted, wealthy client whom died in the October 23rd bellview airline
crash here in my country.

In respect to introduction my name is Barrister Frank Smith a legal attorney
with great vision as I am the private and most trusted attorney to late
Mr. Thomas .

However my client was a very wealthy business tycoon formerly working with
the Nigeria airways for over 20 years till this date before his sudden death
in the October 23rd Bellview airline crash here in my country, view of this
please kindly view the BBC web page below to know the reality of this urgent
matter that I have contacted you for. On Saturday 23rd of October 2005,
my client, his wife {Lady Anna and their three children {Elizabeth, Thomas
and James} were involved in terrible bomb blast that took live of innocent
souls and unfortunately over 117, people lost their lives and my client
and his family were part of this people that lost their lives. In view of
this please view the web page below www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/africa/10/23/nigeria.plane/

Frankly and authoritatively speaking I am very happy to let you understand
that my client left over Fifteen point Five million dollars {USD15. 5 M}
United States of America dollars here in the Accessbank of Nigeria Plc which
is the main point to drive home that made me to contact you as I believe
that we both can act like two matured adult in coming to the actualization
of this transaction for the betterment of us and our family.

Be rest assured that as you comply to my directing this transaction will
be executed in a legitimate arrangement that will prevent you from any breach
of law in your country as it would be back with official documentation endorsed
by the supreme court of Nigeria to legalize the claim of this transaction.

I have made all attempts to locate any of my client?s relative but all attempts
have proved unsuccessful that?s why I am counting you and I need you to
give me a good courage and faith that we can work as two partners in progress
in coming to the realization of this transaction for the betterment of us
and our family.

Finally, all I need from you is your honest cooperation as this transaction
is not related to Imagination or Internet Scam but pure and for real. I
crave your indulgence to present you as the surviving next of kin to the
deceased so that we can reap from the fruit of this old man labor before
some group of bad and corrupt leaders in my country get rid of this money
and share it for their own selfish interest instead of the both of us sharing
it for the betterment of us and our family.

I am awaiting your expedient response with some good news!!!!!
That you are ready to work hand to hand with me.

Thanks and God bless you,

Truly yours,

Barrister Frank Smith.
Email:franksmith1001@yahoo.co.nz


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