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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: "Anthony Gbagbo" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <Anthgbagbo77@hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 3 May 2011 03:45:32 +0800
Subject: REPLY PROMPTLY.

Dearest,
 
I am Anthony Gbagbo, the Brother to Ivory Coast president, Laurent Gbagbo; My reasons of writing you are to solicit your partnership in receiving the amount of US$85 Million Dollars in your bank account. These funds was deposited in a private Bank in my Name by my brother, to purchase arms in China to fight the present war in my country, but I decided to escaped from my country and take refuge outside my country because I don't like what my brother are planning to do. Please I need your honest assistance to retrieve and invest these funds in any profitable venture in your country, but I will join you immediately the bank releases the funds to you. I am willing to offer you US$15 Million Dollars for your help and assistance. If you are interested get back to me as soon as you receive this massage for more details.
 
Thanks
Anthony Gbagbo

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