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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: "Steve Botha" <steve_botha10@gazeta.pl>
Reply-To: steve_both2@yahoo.com
Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:34:07 -0700
Subject: ASSISTANCE REQUEST FROM ENG. STEVE BOTHA:


Attn:
I am Eng, Steve Botha. I am making this contact with you based on the
transfer of a legitimate contract payment of US$14.5M. I work with the
Department of Minerals & Energy, South Africa . We need you to receive this
contract payment on our behalf and your share as compensation in the
US$14.5M will be 30%, we receive 60% while 10% for taxes and miscellaneous
expenses. If you willing to work with us in this transaction, kindly provide
your direct telephone number so that I can call to give you a comprehensive
details on what we are to do immediately. *Please do** **email me back as
you receive this emai**l. *Note that time is of great essence in this
transaction. Await your prompt response.
Sincerely Yours,
Eng. Steve Botha.

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