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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: "Farah Mohd" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mohdfarah19@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:57:10 +0800
Subject: Hello

My dear,

Please accept my highest regards and esteem.I have reasons to contact you.I am writing with heavy tears in my eyes. I don't mean to disturb or bug you but after the doctors said I have three months to live I became desperate. I really need your help in setting up a charity organization and to help the less privileged in your country or any other place.

Write me back so I can tell you my story and why I decided to come to you like this.

Please write me back if you will help me make my dying wish come true.

Don't look away after reading my message, I truly need your help to do this.

I am truly sorry if I disturbed your peace.

warms regards and remain

Mrs Farah

Anti-fraud resources: