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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: "Anthony Williams" (may be fake)
Date: Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:00:15 -0700
Subject: CHARITY WORK

Dear beloved Friend,

I am Anthony Williams , I have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. It has defiled all forms of medical treatment, and right now I have only about a few months to live hence I want to change my life and pray that God accepts my sole when I finally pass on to the great beyond. I must confess that I am rich, but I was never generous. I have given most of my assets to my immediate family
members.

I have decided to give all my wealth to charity organizations. I cannot do this myself anymore because of my health. I once asked members of my family to give some money to chari organizations, but they refused to carry out my wish and kept the money to themselves. I need a God-fearing and honest person who can help me to distribute some funds to charity organizations. I have a huge cash deposit of Ten Million dollars with a finance House abroad. If you could be trusted, I will want you to help me collect this deposit and distribute it to charity organizations that you know. You will take out 25% of the funds for your assistance.The information I want from you are: (1) your full name. (2) Your full address. (3) Your age & occupation. (4) Your private telephone
and fax numbers.

Please let me know if you are interested in answering this call to work for God in touching lives of the less privileged and the needy.

Regards,

Anthony Williams.

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