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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: HARRY BALZAK<harrybzak@hotmail.com> (may be fake)
Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2011 13:37:19 -0500
Subject: WebSite Inquiry : HARRY BALZAK

HARRY BALZAK wants to contact you

HARRY BALZAK
harrybzak@hotmail.com
Contact Preference email
Best Time to Contact anytime
Telephone 111-111-1111
 
This is what HARRY BALZAK had to say:
Respected,

I am pleased to solicit your sincere business assistance. My name is Harry Balzak. I seek your co-operation and devotion in building a supply company that would gather and package Mangoes, Oranges, Banana, Durian for shipment to the USA. These product are in constant demand by the beverage companies here. Presently I have a contract to supply these products for the next 17 months.

I shall be visiting for negotiations and to set up the company that would handle the processes. On the resumption of this project, you will be a member of the governing board as Director of works and project management. I am prepared to give you 5% of the total purchase sum before setting up the company. Your immediate reply will be highly appreciated and I shall give you more detailed information. Please indicate your interest

Best Regards

Harry Balzak

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