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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: William Cook <williamcook2226@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: <williamcook266@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 14 Nov 2011 22:39:21 +0000
Subject: From Mr. William Cook - Assist Sicerely WOEPYEMDZW

Greetings to you,
As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me, because, I believe everyone will pass on someday everyone eventually has appointment with death. My name is William Cook a merchant in Dubai, United Arab Emirate (U.A.E).


I am battling with multiple case cancers and have less than a month to live according to my health prognosis (I am in a private ward in a private hospital here in the United Kingdom). I have not particularly lived my life so well, as I never really cared for anyone (not even myself) but my business. Though I am very rich, I was never generous, I was always hostile to people and only focused on my business as that was the only thing I cared for.


But now I regret all this, as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting to have or make all the money in the world. I believe when God gives me a second chance to come to this world I would live my life a different way from how I have lived it. I have willed and given most of my property and assets to my immediate and extended family members as well as a few close friends. I want God to be merciful to me and accept my soul so, I have decided to give also to charity organizations, as I want this to be one of the last good deeds I do on earth. So far, I have distributed money to some charity organizations in the U.A.E, Algeria and East Africa. Now that my health has deteriorated so badly, I cannot do this myself anymore.


I once asked members of my family to close one of my accounts and distribute the money, which I have there to charity organization in Bulgaria and Pakistan; they refused and kept the money to themselves. Hence, I do not trust them anymore, as they seem not to be contented with what I have left for them. The last of my money, which no one knows of, is the huge cash deposit of $35M that I have with a financial Institution. My desire is to make this donation anonymously; hence I am requesting your utmost confidentiality in this matter. I will want you to help me receive this deposit and dispatched it to charity organizations.


This is the reason why i had to sum up courage to contact you, as I can no longer leave my bed, and because I have lost my vocal chords, I can not speak with you either, I am just able to send and receive email, however, once I have your consent, my attorney will be briefed and will represent me fully.


I will like to inform you that for all your time, effort and sincere honesty you will be given 10% of the funds, this is from the depth of my heart. Please kindly keep intouch with me at all time via E-mail.


I'll be awaiting your quick response.


Yours faithfully,
William Cook

QJIDMMZHKOJVPZDTNDQNEGFMYZBQFPGJSCPPRJ

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE

The documents accompanying this e-mail transmission may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information. The information is intended only for use of the individual or entity named. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of the information contained in this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify us by telephone ASAP, and delete this e-mail immediately.

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