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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "MRS. THANDI VIVIAN TOBIAS POKOLO" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <huao202@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Sat, 7 Aug 2010 21:20:27 +0100
Subject: Your Reply Please

FROM: MRS. THANDI VIVIAN TOBIAS POKOLO
SOUTH AFRICA
E-mail: l_philippe@ymail.com

Dear Friend,


After due deliberation with my children, I decided to contact you for your assistance in standing as a beneficiary to the sum of US$30.5M ( Thirty- Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars Only) First, let me start by introducing myself,
I am Ms. Thandi Vivian Tobias Pokolo, a mother of two children and Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry under the President of South Africa Mr.Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma, Please view my profile. http://www.info.gov.za/leaders/depmin/tradeind.htm


After the swearing in ceremony making me the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry in 11 May 2009, my husband died while he was on an official trip to Europe (France) in 2009. After his death, I discovered that he had some funds in a dollar account which mounted to the sum of US$30.5M with a Financial Institute in Europe.


This fund emanated as a result of an over-invoiced contract which he executed with the Government of South Africa. Though I assisted him in getting this contract but I never knew that it was over-invoiced by him. I am afraid that the government of South Africa might start to investigate on contracts awarded from year 2008 to date.
If they discover this money as stated above, they will confiscate it and seize his assets here in South Africa and this will definitely affect my political career in government,I need your assistance in clearing this money from the Financial Institute. As soon as the fund is cleared, you are expected to move it immediately into another personal bank
account in your country.



I will see to it that the account is not traced from South Africa. As soon as you have confirmed the fund into your account, I will personally travel down to your country for the sharing and to discuss on business investments if possible.


For your assistance, I am offering you 20% (US$6,100.000.00) However, you have to assure me and also be ready to go into agreement with me that you will not elope with my fund,If you agree to my terms, kindly as a matter of urgency send me an email.


Due to my sensitive position in the South African Government, I would not WANT you to call me on phone or send a fax to me.



All correspondence must be by email to my private email,If you want to speak with me, I can as my son to call you, that is fine and okay by me. He also will be representing my interest with you.



I will like you to send me the following information below: To enable me submit to my Attorney here who will process all the legal documents here in South Africa and futher advise you to re-open contact with the Financial Institute in Europe,


1. Your full name
2. Your telephone and fax numbers
3. Your contact address & Your Occupation


Please I do not need to remind you of the need for absolute Confidentiality if this transaction must succeed. YOU MUST NOT CALL ME! If you do not feel comfortable with this transaction, do not hesitate to discontinue.


Moreover If you are interested kindly reply through my private email: l_philippe@ymail.com


Thanks for your anticipated co-operation and my regards to your family.



Yours faithfully,
MRS. THANDI V. T. POKOLO
Deputy Minister Trade and Industry
South Africa

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