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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: Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:24:52 +0100
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 you
to 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 Manager guarantees 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.

Thanks with great regards.

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


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