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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. Brenda J. Howell" <vipmessage1@gmail.com>
Reply-To: brenda_howell19800@yahoo.co.jp
Date: Fri, 19 Aug 2011 06:56:54 +0530 (IST)
Subject: Greetings my beloved one,




Greetings my beloved one,

       I know it will be a great surprise to you reading from me today but consider this a divine intervention as my pastor explained to my understanding. My Name is Mrs. Brenda J. Howell; I am 62 years old and lived in United States of America. I want to entrust Charity Funds in your care but first will want to let you know reasons behind my action. I had a Joint Cotton business with my Late Husband who died with our two Children amongst other 3,000 Citizens in the Ungodly Terrorist attack masterminded by the late Osam Bin Ladin in the September 11th 2001. I will never forget that day as i felt the world has come to an end but i was able to pick up my broken pieces after some years.

   Since the death of my Husband, I managed his business investments until my present Medical Condition developed. After being diagnosed of Breast Cancer Last stage during my general checkup last two years, i could not manage my Late Husband's Investments anymore so I sold all the family properties abroad and realized the total sum of $5.4 Million United States dollars. This money i want to use to assist the less privilege, motherless babies, Single mothers and widows in our society but will need your assistance to reach them as my health has become a barrier to my dreams.

  I am compelled to write you this letter because the Doctor said that I have only few days to live as my condition has become so critical but since i am without relatives, will want you to claim the Funds as my sole beneficiary. I cannot travel now nor utilize the money so i want you to Claim the Money from the Security Vault and use it to better the lives of the less privileged in the society.  I am getting weaker by the day so get back to me urgently if you accept to follow my instructions so that I give you the deposit code with the relevant documents you need to make the claim.

 In compensation for your assistance, i want you to keep 30 percent of the total funds for your troubles and the balance must go to Charity as agreed. You will be furnished with more information on how to Claim the funds as soon as i have your word and promise not to betray my trust. Send me your full details with picture and let me know your plans for the less privileged and the poor around you.

   PLEASE consider this email a secret between us and treat with urgency so that i will ask the company to change the deposit to your name before it’s too late.  I await your response as soon as possible through my Private email: (brenda_howell19800@yahoo.co.jp).
 
       Remain Blessed. Sincerely,
       Mrs. Brenda J. Howell.

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