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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: "Sharon Famous" <sharon_famous707@yahoo.com.sg>
Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:03:20 +0200
Subject: A Very Special Message for you


Hello,

I know that this letter might be a suprise to you but do consider it as
emergency.I am Ms. Sharon Famous, single, 27years old girl, from Cape
Verde. I love reading, nature, art, cooking, praying, and singin.I have to
tell you about myself and family.

My Father Dr.Van Famous was a Neurological consultant in the government
hospital,and also wealthy, but he died in an auto crash with my mother, and
ever since I have been undergoing a life with facet of frustration. It has
not been quite long I knew that my father has a lawyer. He told me about my
late father deposited fund in Europe. $3,500,000 US dollars (Three million,
five hundred thousand US dollars) in a financial institution in Europe,which
my name given as the next of kin.

The lawyer advice me to look for a trustee or a foreign beneficiary that
will help me and make the claim the money. This is reason to which I have
contacted you to assist me in transfer of the fund to your country. I shall
be willing to stay and invest my inheritance with you in your country.i.All
I need is your sincerity and co-operation.

I am thanking you for your positive responce.

Yours faithfully,
Sharon Famous

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