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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: mary johnson <mjmaryjohnson1@yahoo.co.th>
Reply-To: mary.johnson20@cantv.net
Date: Sun, 5 Sep 2010 00:03:42 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Dear beloved One in Christ,


Dear beloved One in Christ,
 
I am Mrs. Mary Johnson a widow suffering from long time illness (Cancer), I have some funds I inherited from my late loving husband Mr. Abel Johnson, the sum of US$10.500. 000 which he deposited in bank here and I need a very honest and God fearing Christian that can use these funds for God's work, and 15% out of the total funds will be for your compensation for doing this work of God.
 
I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money. I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly way. That is why I am taking this decision. I am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going.
 
Please if you would be able to use these funds for the Lord's work kindly reply me.
 
Yours Sister in Christ,
Mrs. Mary Johnson



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