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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: "McRae Shelton" <mshelton@gmail.com>
Reply-To: mshelton03@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 24 Feb 2010 15:42:35 +0800 (HKT)
Subject:




We wish to notify you again that you were listed as a beneficiary to the
total sum of $7,500,000.00 Dollars in the intent of the deceased.We
contacted you because you bear the surname which is now withheld and
therefore can present you as the beneficiary to the inheritance since
there is no written will. Our legal services aim to provide our private
clients
with a complete service. We are happy to prepare Wills, set-up and
administer Trusts, carry out the Administration Of Estates and prepare
and administer
Powers Of Attorney.

All the papers will be processed in your acceptance. In your acceptance
of this deal, we request that you kindly forward to us your letter of
acceptance, your current telephone and fax numbers and a forwarding
address to enable us file necessary documents at our high court probate
division for the release of this sum of money in your favour.Do send your
response to my alternative email which is :Email:mshelton03@gmail.com

Yours faithfully,
McRae Shelton


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