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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: KELVIN HOWARD <gettonit20101@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: kelvinbridges@sify.com
Date: Wed, 23 Jun 2010 08:29:32 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: TOP SECRET & KINDLY RESPOND ASAP!!


TOP SECRET & KINDLY RESPOND ASAP!!
 
Dear Sir,
 
My name is Mr. Kelvin Howard, I trained and currently work as an external auditor for the National Irish bank Dublin Ireland as part of a large team that covers the entire Irish region. I have taken my time to contact you through personal endeavours.
 
During a routine audit check months ago, I discovered a fixed deposit accounts that have been dormant for the last eight (8) years. The account belongs to a single holder with total amount slightly above $17.1 Million United States Dollars. Banking regulation/legislation in Ireland demand that I notify the Office of Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) after a statutory time period of nine years when dormant accounts of this type are discovered. The above set of facts underscores my reason of writing to you and making the following proposal.
 
My investigations of the said account reveals that the investor died in 1999 - the exact time the account was last operated. I can confirm with certainty that the said investor died INTESTATE and named no next–of–kin to his estate. I am of the settled conviction that using my experience and working with you, we can state you as the next-of-kin (beneficiary) of the Fixed Deposit and claim it instead of allowing it pass on as unclaimed fund into the coffers of the Irish Government. This is easily possible as you bear the same LAST NAME and NATIONALITY to the said investor, and can stand as his extended relative. This is exactly why I am contacting you.
 
I have all relevant documents (Legal and Banking) that will facilitate my putting you forward as the claimant/beneficiary of the funds and ultimately transfer the money to an account nominated by you. If necessary, we can easily open a new account on you name for this purpose. If you accept to cooperate in this, we will agree unquestionably on adequate compensation for you after we successfully get the money transferred to you.
 
I will tell you finer details of this transaction when I receive confirmation of your desire to participate.  Be assured that I am completely committed to the situation. There will be no risk involved whatsoever if you agree to co-operate but we need to keep the plan totally PRIVATE. I fully guarantee that the transaction will be executed under legitimate arrangement that will protect both you and me from any breach of law.
 
Please reply to me once you receive this message so that I give you full details. Once more I only need your acceptance because of the similarity of names to legitimise this. Please reply using fax, or email, as above indicating your telephone number and I will call you back.
 
Your prompt response will be highly appreciated.
Kind Regards,
Mr. Kelvin Howard




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