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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: "James Nkonor" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <jamesnkonor@aol.com>
Date: Fri, 7 Aug 2009 01:39:55 +0200
Subject: IN GOD WE TRUST

From: Mr. James Nkonor
Tel: +27 73 123 8331
Fax: +27 86 543 5334
Email: jamesnkonor@aol.com
Dear
I am Engineer James Nkonor, Director of Project, South African Ministry of Minerals And Energy Resources. I am making this contact with you based on the committee's need for an individual / company who is willing to assist us with a solution to a money transfer. First and foremost, I apologize using this medium to reach you for a transaction/business of this magnitude, but this is due to Confidentiality and prompt access reposed on this medium. In unfolding this proposal, I want to count on you, as a respected and honest person to handle this transaction with sincerity, trust and confidentiality. I have decided to seek a confidential co-operation with you in the execution of the deal described hereunder for the benefit of all parties and hope you will keep it as a top secret because of the nature of this transaction.
 
My colleagues and I used our official position to influence the award of a contract to a foreign company that we are asking for your indulgence in re-profiling funds to tune ofOne Hundred and TwentyMillion, United States Dollars (US$120 Million). In other words, we would like you to receive the said funds on our behalf. The Funds were derived over time from a project awarded to a foreign firm/Contractor by my Department, and presently the actual contract cost have been paid to the original project executors, leaving the balance in the tune of the said amount. Since the present Government is determined to pay foreign contractors all debts owed, so as to maintain good relationship with foreign governments and non-government agencies; we intend to include our bills for approvals with the Department of Finance.
 
We are seeking your assistance to enable us claim the money since as civil servant we are not allowed to operate foreign accounts. Details shall be worked out in line with this to enable us claim the money without the slightest problem. I have the authority of my partners involved to propose 20% percent for you, while we also propose that we receive 70% percent of the total funds and 10% percent be earmarked for purposes of taxation and for miscellaneous expenses that may be incurred by either party. The business is completely safe and secure, provided you treat it with utmost confidentiality. It does not matter whether you / your Company does contracts, as transfer of powers will be secured in favor of you / your Company. Also, your area of specialization is not a hindrance to the successful execution of this transaction. We have reposed confidence in you and hope that you will not disappoint us.
Kindly notify me by fax, email or call for interest and further clarifications to the Transaction. Thank you in anticipation of your co-operation.
Regards,
 
Mr. James Nkonor
...................................................................................................................................................
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