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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: =?utf-8?q?Ali=20Mahram?= <alimahram50@yahoo.in>
Reply-To: ailmahopec@yahoo.com
Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2009 07:09:14 +0530 (IST)
Subject: INVESTMENT PARTNER NEEDED


I have a new email address!You can now email me at: alimahram50@yahoo.in

Attn:

- I am Ali Mahram, the linkman between the Organization For Petroleum Exporting Countries - OPEC. Through the sale of our allocated oil quota in OPEC, I was able to make $25.5 Million, which is currently deposited with a depository Firm in Europe. I want you to assist me to claim this money as I cannot claim it directly because I am still a Civil servant, and the code of conduct bureau forbids me to Acquire such amount of money. It is on this basis that I am contacting you for assistance, If You will be interested, claim documents will be processed to reflect you as the new beneficiary so that you will be eligible to collect the fund on my behalf. Then we shall establish a structured relationship in pursuance of investment partnership in your country. You should provide me with your private telephone Numbers for easier communication, also your beneficiary names, and address are required. We shall establish the terms of investment partnership upon your reply.


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