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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: "Huff Donnell" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <huffdonnell@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 3 Mar 2011 09:39:27 +0100
Subject: Letter of Intent

Dear Sir,Madam
I am Mr. Donnell Huff, Branch Manager of Natwest Bank Plc, I am in search of an agent to assist us in the transfer of ?23,200,000.00 GB (Twenty Three Million Two Hundred Thousand British Pounds) and subsequent investment in properties in your country.
You will be required to:-
(1) Assist in the transfer of the said sum
(2) Advise on lucrative areas for investment
(3) Assist us in purchase of properties.
If you are willing to assist us in the transaction, your share of the sum will be 50% of the ?23,200,000.00 GB, 50% for us. I will be pleased as soon as you indicate your interest by including your confidential phone and fax numbers in your positive response, this will enable us furnish you with further information on the procedures and modalities on how funds will be transferred or made available to you.
I await your immediate response.
My Regards
Mr. Donnell Huff
Branch Manager
NATWEST BANK PLC
Marsh Street, London EC2V 7HN
FAX:44-8447748524

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