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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: "Mr.John Malak" <johnmalak04@mailbox.hu>
Reply-To: malakjohn.m@gmail.com
Date: Sun, 25 May 2008 11:48:59 -0700
Subject: From:Mr.John Malak.


From:Mr.John Malak.
Audit and Accounting Office
Bond Bank-Benin: Avenue
Jean-Paul II, 08 BP 0879-Cotonou
Tel: +229 93 997 295
email:(malakjohn.m@gmail.com)

My Dear,

I am Mr.John Malak Audit Manager Bond Bank-Benin. in the capital city of
Cotonou Benin republic, and assistance, this is a very confidential
proposition for you. On April 21st 1999, A Swedish Oil consultant/contractor
with the Benenoise Solid Minerals Corporation, Mr.Soren Anderson made a
numbered time (Fixed) Deposit for twelve calendar months, valued at
US$8,000,000.00 (Eight Million Dollars only) in my branch.

Upon maturity on November 20th 2003 as his Credit Officer, I sent a routine
notification to his forwarding address but got no reply. After a month, we
sent a reminder and finally i discovered from his contract employers, the
Benenoise Solid Minerals Corporation that Mr.Soren Anderson died on auto
accident with his entire family.

Further investigations and all attempts to trace his next of kin was
fruitless. Again, I made further investigation and discovered that Mr.Soren
Anderson did not declare any kin or relations in all his official documents,
including his Bank Deposit paperwork in my Bank.

This sum of US$8,000,000.00 is still sitting in my Bank No one will ever
come forward to claim it. According to the International Banking ethics,
codes and Laws, at the expiration of (Two) years, the money will revert to
the ownership of the Benin Government if nobody applies to claim the fund.

Consequently, my proposal is that I will like you as a foreigner to stand in
as the next of kin to Mr.Soren. This is simple, immediately with your full
names and address so that we will prepare the necessary documents and
affidavits that will put you in place as the next of kin.

The money will be paid into your account for us to share in the ratio of 70%
for me and some of my colleagues who are aware of this transaction and 25%
for you and 5% for Expenses Incurred in the course of the transaction There
is no risk at all as all the paperwork for this transaction will be done by
my colleagues and with my position as the Foreign Remittance Director
guarantees the successful execution of this transaction.

Upon your response, I shall then provide you with more details and relevant
documents that will help you understand the transaction. Please send me your
confidential telephone and fax numbers for easy communication. You should
observe utmost confidentiality, and be rest assured that this transaction
would be most profitable for both of us because I shall require your
assistance to invest my share in your country.

Awaiting your urgent reply.

Remain Bless.
Mr.John Malak
+229 93 997 295

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