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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: "David Heesom" <davidforheesom@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:55:54 +0100
Subject: FROM MR DAVID HEESOM


Mutual Benefits Request
From Mr. David Heesom,

Please accept my sincere apology if my proposal does not meet your business
or personal ethics, my name is Mr. David Heesom. I work for the government
owned Gold Refinery Company here in United Kingdom. I am the accountant to
the above menioned company , I wish you to help me lay claims to balance
funds derived from a contract executed to our company by one of our
contractors. The total contract sum was US$158,109,000 and US$140,000,000
has already been paid. Leaving a balance of US$18,109,000.

It is my intention to form a company with you when the funds are paid. My
area of interest is Real Estate or any other investment of your great idea,
I also desire absolute confidentiality and professionalism in this
transaction. For more information, write to me with the following:

(1) FULL NAMES:
(2) DIRECT TELEPHONE NO:
(3) HOME OR OFFICE ADDRESS
(4) AGE AND OCCUPATION:

I wait to hear from you soonest.

Regards,
Mr. David Heesom

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