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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: charlotte wodie <charlotte_wodie@btinternet.com>
Reply-To: charlotte_wodie@yahoo.cn
Date: Fri, 14 May 2010 08:39:57 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: From Miss. Charlotte Wodie.






Dear Respectful One,
 
I pray that this email reaches you in the best of health. This letter may come to you as a surprise due to the fact that we have not yet meet. The message could be strange but it's real and you will realize this if you pay some attention to it. I want to notify you about it at least for the sake of your integrity. 
 
I was totally convinced to write you in reference of a transfer of Four million united states dollars (U,S,D( $4.000,000 ) to your nominated account for onward investment in a lucrative business in your country for the benefit of the both of us,
 
I am Miss. Charlotte Wodie. from Ivory coast. I am a student being that I lost my parents a couple of year ago. My father was a  Gold Miner serving director of the Gold exporting board until here in Abidjan, Ivory Coast during his days, It is sad to say that he was poisoned to death in France during one of his business trips abroad for the importation of Gold processing machine on the 14Th of July, 2008.
 
Though his sudden death was linked or rather suspected to have been masterminded by an uncle of his and his college whom travelled with him at that time. But God knows the truth. before his death he had a foreign Deposit of Four million united states dollars (U,S,D( $4.000,000 ) with one of the Bank here in Ivory coast, i want you to do me a favor to received this funds to a safe account in your country or any safer place as the beneficiary.
 
My mother died when I was just 10 years old, and since then my father took me so special. Before his death on the 14Th of July, 2008. he called her personal secretary who accompanied him to the hospital and told her that he has the sum of Four million united states dollars (U,S,D( $4,000,000 ) with one of the bank here in Ivory coast.
 
He further told her that he deposited the money in my name as his only daughter for next of kin, he also explained to her that it was because of this wealth that he was poisoned, that I should seek for a foreign partner in a country of my choice where I will transfer this money to and use it for investment purposes. and finally issued a written instruction to the bank whom is in possession of the fund.
 
I am just 22years old and a university undergraduate and really don't know what to do, now I want you to help me to transfer this funds into your nominated account  overseas as a beneficiary of the fund, and also use it for an investment purpose. so that i can finish up my education over there, this is because I have suffered a lot of set back as a result of increasing political crisis here in Ivory coast.
 
The death of my father actually brought sorrow to my life. Dear, I am in a sincere desire of your humble assistance in this regards. your suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded.
 
Now permit me to ask these few questions:-
1. Can I completely trust you??
2. What percentage of the total amount in question will be good for you after the money is in your account??

Please, Consider this and get back to me as soon as possible.
Thank you so much.
My Sincere regards,
Miss Charlotte Wodie.

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