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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: Favor Ekowo Hygenus <favorekowohygenus@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Tue, 12 Feb 2008 12:20:32 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: HELLO DEAR


Hello Dear,
I know that this proposal might be a surprise to you but do consider it as an emmergency. in nutshell, I am Miss Favor Ekowo from the public of Cote D'ivoire in Africa now seeking for refugee in Senegal under the(UNHCR). My (late) father Dr. Hygenus Ekowo ,was the managing director of Rainbow Gold and Diamond company in(cote d'ivoire But he was killed along side with my mother during the longing civil war and all his properties was totally destroyed.
However, after their death I managed to escape with a very important document (DEPOSIT CERTIFICATE(US$5.4m) deposited by my late father in in a foriegn bank.which i am the next of kin.

Meanwhile,i am saddled with the problem of securing a trust worthy foriegn personality to help me transfer the money over to his country and into his possession pending my arrival to meet with him/her.
Furthermore,you can contact the company for confirmation and i will issue a letter of authorisation on your name,that will enable the security company to deal with you on my behalf.I am giving you this offers as mentioned with every confidence on your acceptance to assist me or take me as your PARTNER and manage the money. Conclusively,i wish you send me a reply immediately as soon as you recieve this proposal. God bless you.
mail me the following informations to enable me send a nomination letter to the bank on your behalf
yours full names................
your age........................
your contact address..............
your phone number.....
FAVOR

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Anti-fraud resources: