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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: Ruth Mabou <ruthmabou11@yahoo.in>
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2011 23:22:25 -0800 (PST)
Subject: HI



Hello Dear
How are you today i hope that everything is fine with you as it is my great pleasure to reach you for communication. I saw your contact email while making some research for reliable foreigner at (WEB) and i think we can click and become Pen Pal friends.
Despite that we have not seen in person. I Hope we can make a good friendship, because the best place to be is by the side of a good friend. I believe that friendship is a gift that is fair in all things. It roots from one's heart and involves memories that stay not for a while but for a lifetime. " My heart welcomes you".
I will be very happy if you should write me back through my email, for easy communication and to know all about each other, I will send you my pictures and more details about me, (Remember the distance,color or age  does not matter but our good heart and sincerity matters in life). I will be waiting to hear from you i wish you all the best for your day.  Always stay blessed from my deepest heart.
Yours Affectionately,
Ruth.



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