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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Date: Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:47:26 +0300
Subject: LETTER



>From the Desk of:
Victor Odili
Reply me thru this e-mail "odilivictor@aol.com"

I am a Manager of a bank, writing you in respect of a foreign customer
whom made a US$25M depository for an investment program that has
remained dormant for years now. On personal investigation, I
discovered that the account holder died in Ukrainian aircraft crash,
without making a WILL on depository. I have secured from the probate
an ORDER OF MANDAMUS to locate
any of deceased beneficiaries

All occupants of the car unfortunately lost their lives. Since then I
have made several enquiries to his embassy here in Lagos-Nigeria to
locate any of his Extended relatives, this has also proved
unsuccessful to locate any member of his family. Now the management of
the bank has issued a notice to provide the next of kin to claim the
funds or they have the account frozen. Since I have been unsuccessful
in locating the relatives for over 6 years now, I contacted youto seek
your consent to present you as the next of kin to the deceased since
you are a foreigner so that the proceeds of this account valued at
US$25, can be transfer to your account that you would provided, then
we can share the money 50%/50%. As this is a Two-man
business deal transaction, assuring you a 100% risk free. Your
percentage will also be a source of up-liftment. You have absolutely
nothing to LOSE in assisting me instead, you have so much to GAIN. Be
rest assured that this transaction would be most profitable for both
of us

I shall then provide you with more details and relevant documents that
will help you understand the transaction. I need your assistance and
co-operation to this reality as I have done my Home-work and fine tune
the best way to set you as the beneficiary while I would use my
connection and money to secure almost all the paperwork for this
transaction which will be
done by the Attorney and my position as the Branch Managerguarantees
the successful execution of this transaction with you as the
beneficiary to this fund.

I would like you to provide immediately your full Names and Address,
Date of Birth, Occupation, Tel Fax Numbers so that a
solicitor/attorney will be able to prepare the necessary documents and
affidavit which will set you up as the next of kin. The solicitor will
draft and carry out the notarization of the WILL and also obtain the
necessary documents and letter of
probate/administration in your favour for the transfer.

I would appreciate your early reply to get started on this business.
Contact me for acknowledgment thru this e-mail "odilivictor@aol.com"
but if you are not interested, please indicate in your reply so that I
can seek
the assistance of someone else.

If this proposal is acceptable by you, I expect that you will not take
undue advantage of the trust I would bestow in you. I await your
urgent response.

Thankswith great regards.

Mr. Victor Odili
Reply me thru this e-mail "odilivictor@aol.com"



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