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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: "From Mrs. Rani E. Madhusudan" <jenitachun@aol.com>
Reply-To: raniconcern@aol.com
Date: Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:54:55 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: URGENT





It's Mrs. Rani E. Madhusudan here in UK.
"Good Evening"
 
I pledge my undying allegiance to charity since 2 years ago, for the good work of humanity. At 90, I am now looking too weak and fragile to do things myself because I was diagnosed for cancer about 5years ago. I have decided to Will/donate what I have inherited from my late husband to charity through you, rather than allowing my relatives to use my husbands hard earned funds inappropriately.
 
I have wholeheartedly trusted in your good honesty in the belief that you have a soul of discretion. I maintained a life assurance policy which amounts to the sum of Fifteen Million Great Britain Pounds Sterling with NatWest Bank Plc, London UK.
 
You may be wondering why I chose you and were about my family or grand children? It is a sad story to tell, but someone has to continue with the good work of the Lord. I have asked the Lord to forgive me all my sins and I believe he has, because he's merciful. I have survived there (3) surgical operation and still the pain wont go. I'm been restricted by my doctor from taking telephone calls because my condition appears to be getting worst.
 
I know I have never met you but my mind tells me in confident that you're a nice person and willing to respect my wishes. Well, I will appreciate you forward me your details to enable my lawyer proceed with the notarization of the funds as a matter of urgency; email me all your contact details immediately as stated below:
 
1.Full Name:
2.Country Of Origin:
3.Present Address:
4.Sex:
5.Occupation:
6.Telephone Number:
7.Fax Number(If Any):
8.Marital Status:
9. Age:
 
Love, From
 
Mrs. Rani E. Madhusudan

Anti-fraud resources: