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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: "jo" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <partnership@webmail.co.za>
Date: Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:52:17 -0700
Subject: ASAP

Hi,

I have the honor to introduce this business to you in view that you will accept to be my partner. Obviously you might be surprised to read this letter but consider it as a request from a stranger in need of a foreign partner.

I got your contact via the net. I am Mr. Jimmy Olga, an Auditor contracted by ABSA bank of South Africa (ABSA). In the course of my contract I discovered an account that was opened in this bank in 1995 by one Mr. T.J Martins a foreign miner with a balance of twenty six million dollars ($26m). This account has been dormant since 20th of July 1998, which prompted investigation that lasted for six months. It was however discovered that Mr. T.J Martins died in a ghastly motor accident on the 15th of Nov, 1997. Unfortunately he did not leave any clue or lead that could help the bank locate any of his relatives.

With all the information of late Mr. T.J. Martins, which I retrieved from the ABSA Bank’s secured system, the bank will have no choice than to release the money. All it will entail is for a foreigner to lay claims to the estate and then wait for the bank’s response. This is where your partnership is required. As soon as you indicate interest I will give you more details regarding the process of this transaction.

We have unanimously agreed to give you 25% of the above amount, while we shall retain 75%. Any money spent during this process will be deducted before sharing. I want to assure you, there is no risk associated with this business. My only worry is the safety of the money once it gets into your account. I have a senior person in the bank that I am working with, though he chose to remain anonymous but will be instrumental in endorsing all approvals. We expect to conclude this business in 10 days.

I look forward to receiving your assistance letter.

Regards,

Jimmy Olga.

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