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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: Laurel Schneider <lauschnei31@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: laurelschneider80@myway.com
Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:58:28 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: PROPOSAL 2008


I have a new email address!You can now email me at: lauschnei31@yahoo.com



- I am the Attorney and trustee to the Will of my late client Thomas Stone,Until his death My client deposited the sum of Twenty Five Million British Pounds in a Bank here in London, with the hope of transferring it to his country as soon as he is on leave. I have made several attempts to locate any of my clients extended relatives, but this attempt so far has been unsuccessful.I am contacting you to assist in claiming the money left behind by my client before they get confiscated or declared unserviceable by the Bank where the deposit was made, the bank is ready to release the funds to any foriegner who knows correct information of the FUNDS which i will give to you once i see your readyness to work with me. All legal documents to aid your claim for this fund and to prove your relationship with the deceased will be arranged for. Your help will be appreciated with 30% of the total sum.All I require is your honest co-operation to enable us see this transaction through.Iguaran!
tee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of law. Please accept my apologies, keep my confidence and disregard this letter if you do not appreciate this proposition I have offered you.However,if you do please back to me immediately.Honestly,Barr. Laurel Schneider


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