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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: "keith malcom" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <keithmalc@aol.com>
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2011 05:34:10 +0100
Subject: INVEST PROPERLY.........

Dear Sir,
 
I write with regards to a possible investment opportunity, based on a request by an investor for funding/investment in your country. My name is Mr. Keith Malcolm; Chief Executive, ADP Consulting in Brussels, Belgium. My Company most times represents the interests of very wealthy investors. Due to the sensitivity of the position they hold in their society and the unstable investment environment of their country, they evacuate majority of their funds into more stable economies and developed nations where they can get good yield for their funds. A Reserved Client, whom I had personally worked with few years ago with a proposal, recently approached me that he wants an individual in your country who will assist him to invest $ 50,000,000 (Fifty Million United State Dollars) in any lucrative business in your country. I contacted you because I believe that with your assistance, both of us will benefit immensely in this transaction. Looking forward to hear from you soon,
 
Best regards,
 
Keith Malcolm

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