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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: "From London" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <jef.rice@qatar.io>
Date: Wed, 23 Feb 2011 11:59:37 -0800
Subject: Business Greetings... <Asap>



Dear Friend

I have a business proposition for you which involve $15,500,000 dollars. I
need you assistance with Investment of this funds and I will be willing to
offer you 30% of my $15,500,000 dollars for your help. I will also offer
you a % of the interest made on the investment.

This is a legal transaction and the funds are legally mine. Can I trust
you to help me handle these funds?

If interested, please send me an email to: jef.rice@qatar.io

When I hear from you, I will give you my full name and details and also
give you more information about this transaction. Please have in mind that
this is a legitimate transaction.

Anti-fraud resources: