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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: "Fiaza Khadef" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <fkhadef@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 2 Jun 2010 16:03:43 +0100
Subject: INVEST MY INHERITANCE ON MY BEHALF, I AM .......

Greeting to you,
 
With due respect and humility, I apologize if this mail disturbs your time. I am Mrs. Faiza Khafed from Singapore but residing in Lome Togo where me and my late husband lived until his death few years ago.
 
I and my late husband Mr. Abdul Khafed owns a private company here which deals on recycling of used plastics and rubber. We where blessed with fortune though we do not have a child of our own.
 
Before my husbands death, we planned to open an orphanage home where we can have the opportunity of using our fortune to take care of the orphans, poor, homeless, helpless children since we do not have one, it is unfortunate that we did not commence it before his death four years ago and I have not been able to handle it alone because I have been battling with cancer of the blood (Lucamia). During my last check up abroad, I was informed by the doctors that I will not live more than next three weeks.
 
I therefore need someone to assist me and see that me and my husbands dreams comes to pass. I need you to represent us on this matter. We have 7.8 Million Dollars budget for this project which is in one of the leading banks here in Togo. All other of our fortune has been donated to churches worldwide. Please reply as soon as you get this letter for me to introduce you to the bank as the beneficiary of the fund for the project. Your reward is 30% of the fund while the rest is for the project.
 
Please reply as soon as you read this email as I have little or no time left. I am counting on your early and positive reply. I will send you my pictures to know me when I hear from you and we shall speak as well. Send your phone number as well.
 
Yours sincerely,
 
Mrs. Faiza Khafed


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