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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: "Nima" (may be fake)
Date: Wed, 5 May 2010 18:19:52 +0200
Subject: I expect your swift reply pls!

Hello dear,

This message is a very unusual one but bearing in mind my limitations I decided to contact you.

My name is Mr. Roda Nima, I am terminally ill and bed ridden. Having accepted my condition I decided to entrust some fund I have ( US $ 2.2 Million) deposited in Europe to either a philanthropic organization or devoted individual that will utilize this money for charitable activities.

30% of the money is allocated to you, if you accept the responsibility, it will ensure that you are prepared for the task, the balance 70% of this money will be used by you in all sincerity to fund philanthropic organization,orphanages.

I am taking this decision because I don't have any child or devoted relations whose behavior has left much to be desired and above all I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an unGodly manner, hence my bold decision to contact you, a total stranger, I got your email address from the Internet.

Since my health is regressing by the minute, you will have to tell me alittle about yourself.

I will make arrangement to prepare the Authorization through an Attorney for you to get Possession of the Deposit. Until I hear from you, I pray that this letter bring you and your family good tidings.

God be with you.Nima.

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