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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: "Capt. John" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <sgtjohnguy111@mail.mn>
Date: Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:52:15 -0700
Subject: Real Deal

Dear,
 
I am Capt. John Guy, a US Marine, serving in the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment which Patrols the Anbar province. I am presently in Iraq. I am seeking your assistance to move the sum of 20 million USD (Twenty Million USD) to the States or any safe country, as far as I can be assured that it will be safe in your care until I complete my service here.This is no stolen money and there are no dangers involved.
This was discovered and concealed in barrels with piles of weapons and ammunition at a location near Saddam Hussein's old Presidential Palaces during a rescue operation and it was agreed by all party present to have the funds. This might appear as an (illegal or scam) but I tell you what? No compensation can make up for the risks we have taken with our lives in this hell hole.
 
I was able to get the package out to a safe location entirely. Know one knows the real contents of the package as believed that it belongs to an American who died in an air raid.
I have the authority of my partners involved to propose that should you be willing to assist us in this transaction, your share of the sum  will be 30%, be rest assure that this business is 100% safe on your part provided you treat it with utmost secrecy and confidentiality. I do not know for how long I will remain here as I have been lucky to have survived 2 suicide bomb attacks by Pure Divine
No strings attached, just help us move it out of Iraq, for Iraq is a war zone. You will only help the diplomat to get the yellow tag paper as soon as they arrive in your airport.
 
If you are interested I will send you the full details, kindly send me an e-mail signifying your interest in this email box for security reason.
 
Regard.
Capt.John Guy.
 

Anti-fraud resources: