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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: Mrs Mariam Kou <mariamkou01@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:17:19 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Dearest one in the Lord,


Dearest one in the Lord,
 
I am Mrs Mariam Kou born 20 August 1935, hailed from Cote D'Ivoire.
I am suffering from Throat Cancer and I am suffering very bitterly as I write you this message with help of a nurse
in the  hospital.
 
My doctor just informed me that my days are counted  considering my health status.
My matrimonial situation is that I lost  my husband and Two kids in Motor accident on 25 December 2009, So I have neither a husband nor children now whom I can will my  heritage.
 
This is why I want a gracious way to help the less-privileged, widows, poor and the needy.
I wished to give you  this very heritage amounting the sum of (SEVEN Millions Five hundred  Thousand United States Dollars)
 
for the Charity. I count on your  sincere willingness to employ this fund
in a Godly manner.
I will wait to get your news soon, accept my cordial salutations.
 
Mrs Mariam Kou.

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