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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: "Commercial Bank" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <commercialbak@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Mon, 30 May 2011 12:01:14 +0200
Subject: Business/Consultant

>From the Desk of:
Victor Eduoha
Reply me thru this e-mail "victoreduoha@aol.com"
 
I wish to seek your assistance for the transfer of US$25M depository made by a foreign investor (an Oil consultant/contractor) for an investment programme that has remained dormant for years now. I discovered that the account holder died without making a WILL on the depository.I have secured from the probate an ORDER OF MANDAMUS to locate any of deceased beneficiaries
 
I have made several enquiries to his embassy here in Nigeria to locate any of his Extended relatives, this has also proved unsuccessful to locate any member of his family. Now the management of the bank has issued a notice to provide the next of kin to claim the funds or they have the account frozen. Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for years now.
 
This money cannot be approved to a local bank account holder, but can only be approved to a foreigner. If you will stand as next of kin to the fund, it will be shared 50%/50%. As this is a TWO-man business deal transaction.assuring you a 100% risk free. Your percentage will also be a source of up-liftment. You have absolutely nothing to LOSE in assisting me instead, you have so much to GAIN. Be rest assured that this transaction would be most profitable for both of us
 
I shall provide you with more details and relevant documents that will help you understand the transaction. I need your assistance and co-operation to this reality as I have done my Home-work and fine tune the best way to create you as the beneficiary of the fund. My position as the branch manager of the bank will be used to advance this deal.
 
I will like you to provide immediately your full Names and Address, Date of Birth, Occupation, Tel & Fax Numbers so that an Attorney will be able to prepare the necessary documents and affidavit which will put you in place as the next of kin. The Attorney will draft and carry out the notarization of the WILL and also obtain the necessary documents and letter of probate/administration in your favor for the transfer.
 
All I require is your honest co-operation to enable us sees this deal. I guarantee you that this transaction will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you and I from any breach of the law.
 
I will appreciate your early reply for commencement of business. Contact me for acknowledgment thru this e-mail"victoreduoha@aol.com" and whereby you are not interested; please indicate in your reply so that I can seek for the assistance of someone else.
 
If this proposal is acceptable by you, I expect that you will not take undue advantage of the trust I Will bestow in you. I await your urgent response.
 
Thanks with great regards.
 
Victor Eduoha
Reply me thru this e-mail "victoreduoha@aol.com"
 
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WARNING: This communication is privileged and confidential and should only be viewed by the intended recipient. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by return e-mail, and then immediately destroy this communication. Any unauthorised use of the contents of this communication is expressly prohibited. Our confidentiality, privilege or copyright is not waived or lost if you received this communication in error. The views expressed in this communication are those of the individual sending it , and do not necessarily reflect the views of Commercial Bank.

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