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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: Emelia Felix <felixemelia60@yahoo.com.ph>
Reply-To: emelialove3@yahoo.fr
Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2011 02:05:48 +0800 (SGT)
Subject: Miss Emelia Felix Festus


My Dearest one,
Hi, my name is Miss Emelia Felix
Festus, 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 Dr. Felix
Festus was the former Minister for SPLA Affairs and Special Adviser to President
Salva Kiir of South Sudan for Decentralization. My father Dr. Felix Festus and
my mother including other top Military officers and top government officials had
been on board when the plane crashed on Friday May 02, 2008.
After the burial
of my father, my uncles conspired and sold my father’s properties to a Chinese
Expatriate and left nothing for me. On a faithful morning, I opened my father's
briefcase and found out the documents which he have deposited huge amount of
money in one bank in Côte d'Ivoire with my name as the next of kin. I travelled
to Côte d'Ivoire 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 that the money be
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. 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 $6.5 Million and I have confirmed from the bank in Côte
d'Ivoire. 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 30% 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,
Miss
Emelia Felix Festus

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