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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: "Harry Barnes" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <harry9barnes@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2011 16:07:38 -0800
Subject: Happy New Year...! KNGPWXRFMW

This is Harry Barnes of the US Marine Corps, but redeployed to Iraq, and at present stationed in Mushirij South West of Basra. I would like to share some very vital information that would bring some good financial returns to us in just a few weeks or days depending on how fast we pursue the matter.
I am seeking your assistance to evacuate the sum of $12.7m to you,as far as I can be assured that it will be safe in your care until I complete my service here.
This may not be the best medium to make this kind of contact because of the numerous scam offers transmitted through the Internet, but it is all I have access to for now.
I will be very grateful if you can give me the opportunity to discuss this matter with you by assuring me that you will not use any part of it against me in anyway, I hope you understand my limitations here.
Should you have reasons to reject this offer, please destroy this mail as any leakage will be too bad for us.
I will continue with the details when you signify your intention to work with me.
Respectfully,

Harry Barnes
harry11barnes@yahoo.com.hk

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