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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: "Adolphus Smith" (may be fake)
Date: Thu, 17 Nov 2011 01:22:58 -0800
Subject: Please Confirm And Get Back To Me..

Good day,

I am Mr. Adolphus Smith, personal assistant/adviser to an International business man, (Late). During my search for any of his existing extended family, I got your name and contact information and I am contacting you on something very confidential and beneficial mutually. I am contacting you based on what is presently on that capacity and want to be sure it is you I have contacted before details of this deal will be divulged.

In a nutshell, I am seeking your consent and good assistance in helping to claim fund deposit left behind by my late client, proceeds of his properties and precious contents of vault deposit with a Security and Vault company. However, if you are the above named person, please reconfirm your contact details and you should reach me as quickly as possible as I want to deal directly with you. Rest assured the blue print of the success of this transaction and smooth release of this estate has been carefully worked out. This is a legitimate proposal.

Thanks for your anticipated cooperation. I expect to hear from you so that we can proceed in principle.

Best Regards,
Mr. Adolphus Smith

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