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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: Warren Johnson <warrenjohnson65@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 18 Nov 2011 11:20:20 +0000
Subject: Very Urgent From Dr Warren Johnson Jr

Dear Friend

I am Warren Johnson Jr and I represent Mr. Sam Laidlaw Shell the former
C.E.O of Centrica / British Gas(http://www.centrica.com/) in London a very
close associate with Late Dictator Muammar Gaddafi and i happen to be thier
account officer with CB Bank Benin . I have a very sensitive and
confidential brief from this top (oligarch) to ask for Your Partnership in
re- profiling funds US$25 Million. I will give the details, but in summary,
the funds are coming via Bank Menatep from my bank here in Benin but all
update will be dairly given by me to both you and Mr Sam Laidlaw . This is
alegitimate transaction. You will be paid 20% as your
commission/compensation
for your active efforts and contribution to the success of this
transaction. If you are interested,please do indicate by providing me with
your confidential telephone number,fax number and email address and I will
provide further details and instructions. Please keep this confidential as
we cannot afford more political problems. make sure you send me your
response as soon as
possible via my personal Email : warrenjohnson65@gmail.com
Regards,
Dr Warren Johnson Jr

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