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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: "justine" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <first3@w.cn>
Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2011 08:12:27 -0700
Subject: let peace reign in your families!!!

Dearest one

Hi, my name is Gloria John Garang, 24 years old originated from Sudan. I decide to contact you after my prayers; I really want to have a good relationship with you. My father John Garang was the southern Sudan first leader. My father Dr. John Garang and my mother including other top Military officers and top government officials had been on board when the helicopter crashed on 3 August 2005 20:31 UK.
You can read more about the crash through the below site please kindly click here:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2134220.stm After the burial of my father, my uncle conspired and sold my father’s properties to a Chinese Expatriate and lives nothing for me. But one faithful morning, I opened my father's briefcase and found out the documents which he have deposited an amount of money in one of Malaysian bank in Malaysia with my name as the next of kin. I traveled to Malaysia to withdraw the money so that I can start a better life and take care of myself. On my arrival, the Branch manager of the Bank whom I met in person told me that my father's instruction to the bank was the money is release to me only when I am married or present a trustee who will help me and invest the money overseas.
I have chosen to contact you after my prayers and I believe that you will not betray my trust to you. But rather take me as your own sister. Though you may wonder why I am so soon revealing myself to you without knowing you, well, I will say that my mind convinced me that you are the true person to help me. More so, I will like to disclose much to you if you can help me to relocate to your country because my uncle has threatened to assassinate me. The amount is $10.6 Million and I have confirmed from the bank in Malaysia. You will also help me to place the money in a more profitable business venture in your Country.
However, you will help by recommending a nice University in your country so that I can complete my studies. It is my intention to compensate you with 10% of the total money for your services and the balance shall be my capital in your establishment. As soon as I receive your interest in helping me, I will put things into action immediately. In the light of the above, I shall appreciate an urgent message indicating your ability and willingness to handle this transaction sincerely. Please do keep this only to your self. I beg you not to disclose it till i come over because I am afraid of my wicked uncle who has threatened to kill me.

Sincerely yours,
Gloria John Garang,

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