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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: william stuart <williamstuart193@googlemail.com>
Date: Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:45:55 +0100
Subject: i need your help


Hello


My name is Mr.William Stuart, a merchant in London, but
taking treatment in Holland, now I have been diagnosed with
prostate and esophageal cancer that was discovered very late
due to lack of caring for my health.

Now my health is deteriorating so badly,I really need you
to help me distribute the last of my fortune. You might be
wondering why I did not ask my close relatives to pick over this task.
But I once asked members of my family to close one of my accounts and
donate the money, which I have there to charity organizations
in Europe, they closed the account but refused to donate the
money to the organizations,I want you to help me collect this
deposit and dispatched it to charity organizations and let them know
that it is Mr.William Stuart that is making this generous donation.
I pray for you to support and assist me with a good heart.

But the choice is yours.


Note please do respond to my secure e-mail: willstuart@live.co.uk


Mr.William Stuart

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