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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: james bongani <ourjames1@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:00:30 +0100
Subject: FROM MASTER JAMES BONGANI.


Dear One,

My name is Master James Bongani the only Son of my late parents Mr.and
Mrs.Maxwell Bongani. My father was a highly reputable busnness magnate who
operated in the capital of Ivory coast during his days. It is sad to say
that my father passed away mysteriously in France during one of his business
trips abroad in the year 20th.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 7 years old, and since then my father took me
so special. Before his death, he called his secretary who accompanied him to
the hospital and told him that he has United State Dollars (USD$6.2 Million)
left in a private Security Company here in Abidjan Cote di voire and that he
used my name as the only Son for his next of kin when he deposited the
money.

He also explained to me that it was because of this wealth that he was
posisoned. He also gave an out standing instrution to the company that the
Consignment must be sealed and well kept until i ask for it. and it was
deposited as Personal Effect to avoid problem or tamparing by the officers
of the company.

I am just 22 years old and i dont know what to do. I want you to assist me
retrieve this consignment box which contain US$6.2 Million from the security
company. after the transaction i will come and live with you as a partner,
i'm ready to do anything of your choice.

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 and i wished to investe under your care and
advise. I am in a sincere desire of your humble assistance in this regards.
Your suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded.

Please,Consider this and get back to me as soon as possible with your full
contact informations which i will send to the security company where the
said consignment is presently deposited.

Your's Sincerly,
Master James Bongani.

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