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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: "Anthony Williams" <anthony77williams@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 6 Jan 2012 13:11:09 -0000
Subject: HAPPY NEW YEAR




--
Dear beloved ,

As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me, because, I
believe everyone will die someday.I am Anthony Williams ,I have been
diagnosed with esophageal cancer. It has defiled all forms of medical
treatment, and right now I have only about a few months to live hence I
want to change my life and pray that God accepts my sole when I finally
pass on to the great beyond. I must confess that I am rich, but I was
never generous. I have given most of my assets to my immediate family
members.

I have decided to give all my wealth to charity organizations. I cannot do
this myself anymore because of my health. I once asked members of my
family to give some money to charity organizations, but they refused to
carry out my wish and kept the money to themselves. I need a God-fearing
and honest person who can help me to distribute some funds to charity
organizations. I have a huge cash deposit of Ten Million dollars with a
finance House abroad. If you could be trusted, I will want you to help me
collect this deposit and distribute it to charity organizations that you
know. You will take out 25% of the funds for your assistance.

Please let me know if you are interested in answering this call to work
for God in touching lives of the less privileged and the needy.

Regards,

Anthony Williams


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