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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: "Miss HELEZ" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <helez1987@superposta.com>
Date: Sat, 23 Apr 2011 01:24:08 -1200
Subject: FROM MISS HELEZ IN LIBYA?. I WANT TO RELOCATE?

Good afternoon to you. May I introduce myself breifly as I do not have sufficient time to write in details for the moment. My name is Miss Helez Queinz. I,m a single female student. I come from Republic De Cuba. I know you will be surprise to receive this message from complete stranger from Cuba but it is a great pleasure writing and knowing you and I have decided to write you all about me and my position here in Libya.
I want you to know that it is God almighty that connects people and makes out of them whatsoever he desires, and this my having to write you in the first place regarding this issue which is from God?s own direction as I never knew you before nor have we meet in any where before but may Gods name be praised for his ways are not like the ways of men, for he is perfect and never miss leads his loved ones.I know that when God is with one no one can be against him or her, and I know that my having made you the one to carry on this cross will bring joy to my soul and to many others out there that will stand to benefit from the foundation when it is established.
I want you to know that I might not be readily available all the time to respond to your email as internet service is far from where am staying and will be glad you always call me on phone once I provide you phone where I can be reached for my safety, as you well know that I am in a critical condition, situation here and want to move out of here soonest.
I have something very important to confide and disclose to you after loosing my parent in the hand of Gadaffi forces who accused my late father of supporting the revolutionaries in the country where he live in Brega doing his importation of Gold Dust into the country here in Libya.
I will stop here until I hear from you to enable me write you in details about myself and what I want to discuss with you which is very important, concerning and urgent.
Will be glad you respond to me once you receive my message
Miss Helez
 

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