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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: " Mariarin" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrinnjh@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Mon, 8 Aug 2011 08:03:55 -1200
Subject: A DAY OF GREETINGS,

A DAY OF GREETINGS,

I am Mrs. Mariarin Johnston, married to Dr. Johnston Akoma from Ivory Coast; my late husband was into, Estate management and also a government building contractor before my husband earlier in January 25 2007. We were married for eleven years without a child due to my fibroid problem. He died after a brief illness. Before his death we deposited the sum of $2.5Million (USD) dollars, we were born again Christian. Since his death I have decided not to remarry or get a child outside my matrimonial home. As my Doctor told me that I would not last for the next Four months due to cancer problem. From all indications, my condition is really deteriorating and is quite obvious that I may not live more than two months, because the cancer stage has gotten to a very dangerous stage. Having known my condition I decided to donate this fund to good person that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct herein. Whoever that wants to serve the Lord must serve him in spirit and Trut!
h, always be prayerful all through

Mrs Mariarin Johnston.

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