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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: Marie Annick <marie_annick2008@yahoo.ca>
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 2009 02:14:48 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: URGENTLY SEEKING YOUR HELP PLS.


URGENTLY SEEKING YOUR HELP PLS.
 
Dearest one.
I am happy to request for your assistance and also to go into business partnership with you, i believe that you will not betray my trust which I am going to lay on you. I am Ms Marie Annick (20years) old and the only daughter of my late parents Chief and Mrs KAMARA DUKE ANNICK. My father was a highly reputable busnness magnet-(a cocoa merchant) who operated in the capital of Ivory coast during his days. It is sad to say that he passed away mysteriously in France during one of his business trips abroad year 12th, Febuary 2007. Though his sudden death was linked or rather suspected to have been masterminded by an uncle of his who travelled with him at that time.
 
My mother died when I was just 6 years old, I am in possesion of some documents covering the deposit of  US$7.3 Million (Seven million, three hundred thousand US dollars) which my late father deposited with one of the leading security companies in Abidjan Cote d'Ivoire. I have verified the transaction with the firm here and it's authenticity which is clear and the same as my late father declared. This fund is of no criminal origin as it was realised from sales of the alluvial gold dust and cocoa.   I am soliciting for your kind assistance in retrieving and claiming this fund from the Firm here as my father's business associate and have it transferred to your account in your country for investment. You will also serve as the guardian to this fund as i'm not at all knowledgeable in the international business world. I will give you further details as soon as I hear from you, and we will discuss terms and percentage subsequently but you must treat this
highly confidential. 
 
This is because I have suffered a lot of set backs as a result of incessant political crisis here in Ivory coast. The death of my father actually brought sorrow to my life. Sir,I am in a sincere desire of your humble assistance in this regards.Your suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded.
Now permit me to ask these few questions:-
1. Can I completely trust you as the new benificary of this fund?
2. What percentage of the total amount in question will be good for you?
3.Can you help me to further my Education in your Country in a good
university?
4.Can you help me to secured a resdence permite in your Country and to invest this money in a good business with out betrayal?
 
I am puthing all my trust on you, Waiting to hear from you and as soon as I hear from you: I will send to you all the Documents issured to my later father when he deposited this fund under the custody of the firm hare in Abidjan Cote d'Ivoire. Consider these and get back to me as soon as possible.
Ms Marie Annick


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