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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: "Prof Dora Nkem Akunyili" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <akunyili_p@yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:25:28 -0700
Subject: Attn: Concerned Beneficiary,

Attn: Concerned Beneficiary,

This is to bring to your notice that your long delayed/pending funds-payment has now been approved for immediate release to you via this new method of payment legally introduced by the federal government of Nigeria through the reputable office of the president of the federal republic of NIGERIA ALH. Umar Musa Yar'dua, tagged ATM SWIFT CREDIT CASH CARD.

Therefore, provide these following information today via this secured email address (akunyili_p@yahoo.com.hk), for immediate issuance/shipment to your nominated address within 48hrs, full names, address, telephone/fax, mother's maiden name, occupation, sex/marital status, next of kin/date of birth. These information will be used for the issuance of the card in your name/favor and will cost you $70.00 only for prompt delivery of the card to your door post.
Will be waiting to hear from you.

Best Regards,

Prof. Dora Nkem Akunyili
Minister of Information & Communication
Federal Republic Of Nigeria (FRN).

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