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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: benjamin smith <benjaminsmith9@sify.com>
Date: Wed, 26 May 2010 16:38:02 +0800
Subject: Dear Beloved

*Dear beloved one...


As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me, because, I believe
everyone will die someday. My name is Mr. Benjamin Smith, a merchant in
Wales. I have been diagnosed with Esophageal cancer . It has defiled all
forms of medical treatment, and right now I have only about a few months to
live, according to medical experts.


I have not particularly lived my life so well, as I never really cared for
anyone (not even myself) but my business. Though I was very rich, I was
never generous, I was always hostile to people and only focused on my
business as that was the only thing I cared for. But now I regret all this
as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting to have or make
all the money in the world. I believe when God gives me a second chance to
come to this world, I would live my life a different way from how I have
lived it.


Now that God has called me, I have willed and given most of my property and
assets to my immediate and extended family members as well as a few close
friends. I want God to be merciful to me and accept my soul so I have
decided to give also to charity organizations, as I want this to be one of
the last good deeds I do on earth. So far, I have distributed money to some
charity organizations in the U.A.E, Haiti, Chile and Singapore Now that my
health has deteriorated so badly, I cannot do this myself anymore. I once
asked members of my family to close one of my accounts and distribute the
money which I have there to charity organizations in Asia and U.K, they
refused and kept the money to themselves.


Hence, I do not trust them anymore, as they seem not to be contended with
what I have left for them.

The last of my money which no one knows of is the huge cash deposit of U.S$
18m (Eighteen million United States Dollars) in two metallic trunks. This
trunks were deposited in 2004 with a trusted Security Company in Europe. I
want you to help me collect the trunks and dispatched the funds therein to
reputable charity organizations.

I have set aside 10% for you and 5% to settle any expenses including your
phone bills or any incurred expenses. May the Lord be with you.


Please reach me through my personal email address of:
benjaminsmith10@sify.com


Remember to keep this known to yourself alone and I for now, as I am doing
this as a contribution to life on earth. I will also appreciate if you
provide me with the following information, so that i can put you through the
whole process.


(1) Full complete names
(2) Private phone numbers including mobile
(3) Present contact address


I will really appreciate your quick response. Once again this is my personal
e-mail address: benjaminsmith10@sify.com


God bless you,
Mr.Benjamin Smith.



*

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