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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: Ahmed Moussa <mdahmedaa8@att.net>
Reply-To: mdahmed4@gmx.com
Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2011 07:00:48 -0800 (PST)
Subject: compliments of the day to you,


compliments of the day to you,
May the blessing of God be upon you and grant you the wisdom and sympathy to understand my situation and how much I need your help.
My name is Ahmed Moussa from the republic of Ivory coast(Cote Ivoire) I decided to contact you because of the urgency of my situation here. My late father Mr.Karim
Moussa,was a business man and deals on Cocoa and gold before his untimely death.
My father was killed by government of President Laurent Gbagbo due to his stand against his government ,he accused my father of coup attempt.
So I decided to run out of the country to the refugee camp where I am presently seeking asylum under the United Nations High Commission for the Refugee here in Dakar,Republic of Senegal. I wish to contact you personally for a long term business relationship and investment assistance in your Country.
 
Before his untimely death, he instructed me to leave the country for my safety and start up a business somewhere where their is economic and political stability.
He reviewed to me of a deposit of one diplomatic box which he concealed with one of the private security company here in Dakar Senegal containing Five million, five hundred thousand united states dollars(US$5.5M) declared as family valuables.
Actually, I decided to seek your assistance in transferring this money to your position for investment purposes. I have decided to give you 15% of the total sum involved after the transaction.
Your quick response will be appreciated.
However, if you are not disposed to assist, kindly destroy this letter to protect the identity and confidentiality of the parties involved.
I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenient time.
Yours Sincerely,
Ahmed.
 

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