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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: "mariamakeffe@cantv.net" <mariamakeffe@cantv.net>
Date: Wed, 28 Jul 2010 06:40:20 -0430
Subject: THANKS, MRS MARIAMA KEFFE

Hello Dear

My name is Mrs. Anita Mariama keffe, a nationality of Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, also a retired Director in the Ministry of Health.

I am married to late Mr. Adams Keffe who worked with France Embassy (here in my country) for 12 years as an accountant before he died in October 2008.

We were married for twenty years with a son. My husband died after an illness that lasted for only four days.

When my husband was alive, we deposited the sum of 5 Million Euros (Five Million Euros) with one of good bank here in Republic of Cote D'Ivoire in joint account.

The purpose of this huge sum with the bank is for building a hospital of our own after our retirement from the government work.

Presently, this money is still with the bank. Recently my doctors informed me that I would not last for the next two months due to my cancer problem although what disturbs me most is stroke.

As a result of this situation, I decided to transfer out this fund to you so that you will utilize it the way I shall instruct herein.

The 50% of this total fund will be for my son’s future in your country which will be invested into a good business venture until he is of old and mature enough to manage it, the 15% will be for you/family for your assistance in taking care of my son; while the remaining 35% will be used for orphanages, disabled and charity purposes.

I wish you to use the fund as I have instructed above. I took this decision because my son who will inherit part of this money is not capable to carryout this charity work alone because of his age.

Our son (David) is just 16 years old now and as such I doubt his ability to manage this fund as my late husband and I had wished. Above all, my relatives are not to be trusted and I don't want my family hard earned money to be misused.

I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly manner hence the reason for taking this bold decision of contacting you believing that you will not let me down in this project.

Please, I will only want your e-mail communication in this regard, as my Doctor told me to avoid receiving telephone call, and secondly, because of the presence of my family relatives who are always around me, but if you must call, then call at: +22545420979 (or) 0022545420979 so that my son will receive your call first before giving me the phone as he is aware of this matter. I don't want any of my family relatives to receive this money or to know about this fund transfer with you except my son because I do not believe in their ability to undertake this project.

As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the bank here along with all the necessary information you need in receiving the total fund on my behalf. I will also issue you a letter of authority that will empower you as my partner to receive this fund, with trust and honesty all things are possible.

I will like to hear from you immediately you get this mail. Please assure me that you will act accordingly as I have stated herein.

I have told my son my intention to contact you on this matter and he is well pleased.

I expect to hear from you soonest. Please write to me at: (anita.mkeffe@gmail.com)
Remain blessed.
Mrs. Mariama keffe
Email: (anita.mkeffe@gmail.com)
Tel: +22545420979

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