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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: Mark Ford <markford100@att.net>
Reply-To: markf333@yahoo.com
Date: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:39:12 -0800 (PST)
Subject: I Need Your Urgent Reply Please


Dear Friend,
 
This letter may come as a surprise because we have not met nor had any previous correspondences but was borne out of my sincere burning desire to establish a business/mutual relationship with you.

I got your contact during my research on a sincere person that will help me secure the money which my late father deposited before he died and l hope I will not regret ever approaching you because this present world is filled of dishonesty and mistrust.
My name is Mark Ford, the only son of Mr Terry Simpsom Ford who was murdered by the agents of President Robert Mugabe due to his opposition to the oppressive and exploitative Land reforms Act. Though, I do not know to what extent you are familiar with events and fragile political situation in Zimbabwe but I know it has formed consistent head lines in the CNN, BBC news bulletins. You can further read about the death my late father via:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/zimbabwe/article/0,2763,669960,00.html The pressure from the government forced me and my family out of Zimbabwe into exile in New Zealand and then down to London, United Kingdom where we have been living under political asylum for a few years now. Sadly, my mother died of cancer some months ago and was buried here in London. Prior to
her death, she handed me over a certified documents meant for Deposit, which my father made with the bank. The deposit, which is worth $16,000.000.00(Sixteen Million United States Dollars),was deposited in the bank before the out break of war.
He deposit in his name with the hope of relocating his family to the
neighboring town of Tanzania but was murdered when the conflict intensified as a result of his opposition to the oppressive and despotic government of Robert Mugabe. I have contacted the bank to confirm the deposit and established an ownership link as next of kin.
With respect to the certified document handed over to me by my mother after the death of my father and followed by her death and the continued hostility in my country Zimbabwe, I have decided to remain here for now and solicit for the assistance of an honest and trustworthy person who will assist me in the business re-investment of the said money.
 
I cannot do this due to my present social status as a refugee here and my total ignorance of the business world. You will be given 30% of the said money and a shares holder base in the investment if secured. If you are honest, trustworthy, capable of investing this sum of money, contact me to give you all the details you need to know about this immediately. You must maintain absolute confidentiality to ensure success. feel very free to call me on +447024051988
Please, indicate your personal Tel/Fax numbers when replying this mail. I will let you view my late father's account statement in the bank when I receive your sincerely mail.
 
I also attach my international passport here please confirm to me if you do receive it.
Best regards and God Bless,
Mark Ford.

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