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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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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.

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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "necessary legal documents" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. Never ever send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally. )
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "high court" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "federal high court" (This court is often mentioned in '419' scams to give the victim a reason why he/she should send thousands of dollars to the scammers. A 'Federal High Court' exists in Germany and Nigeria, but not in other countries, such as the UK, Spain, Netherlands, Senegal, Benin, South Africa or other countries where fake lawyers in scams often claim to be based. )
  • "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
• This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
  • fidelisojo77@yahoo.com.ar (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "ojo fidelis" <fidelisojo4@norilsk.biz>
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2008 14:47:02 +0100
Subject: ATTORNEYS&COUNSELORS AT LAW


FIDELISOJO&CO.CHAMBERS
(ATTORNEYS&COUNSELORS AT LAW)
FEDERAL HIGH COURT BENIN
WHITE-HOUSE BUILDING,
25 DEGBAGO CRESCENT,n
COTONOU REPUBLIC OF BENIN.
Email:barrister (fidelisojo77@yahoo.com.ar)

Dear Friend,


Compliments,I Barrister Fidelis Ojo,have decided to bestow this trust on
you, which I pray you will not ignore or betray.I appologize in advance for
any inconviniences this may cause you.


I am Barrister Fidelis Ojo, the Personal Attorney to late Mr micheal
williams, who was a contractor here in Benin Rep.Who, on December 2003, with
his entire family were perished in Air -Crash on board from Cotonou.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3348109.stm As a matter of fact,


My client made a fixed deposit Amount, valued at (USD$15.9M) with Arab Bank
here in Benin Rep, and upon the duration time of their agreement,his bank
started contacting him but no response.


Conseqently, The bank issued me a notice to provide the next of kin to the
deceased as his personal attorney,or have his account confiscated after four
years, as it is in the law of this country. Since then,



I have made several contacts to His Countrys Embassy in order to locate any
of my clients extended relatives,which had also been unsuccessful.


Since I have been unsuccesfull in locating the relatives for over two years
now, I seek your consent to present you as the next of kin of the deceased
since none of his relatives were no way to be found so that the proceeds of
this account valued at $15.9m could be transffered into your account,


thereafter,we will both share it in percentage according to our
contributions to boost the success of this great transaction. I have all the
necessary legal documents that can be used to back up all the claims we will
make.All I require is your honest cooperation to enable us make this great
benefiting transaction successfully.


I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that
will protect you from any breach of the law. Please get in touch with me as
fast as possible through mail: (fidelisojo77@yahoo.com.ar) to enable us
discuss further the progress of this business


.Best Regards,


Fidelis OJO,


Senior advocate of Benin(SAB).

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam