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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: Ann Bowes <annbowes40@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: annbowess40@yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:29:57 -0800 (PST)
Subject: emergency!!!!!!!!!!!


Hope you get this on time, I made a trip to Philippines and had my bag misplaced with my passport and credit cards in it. The embassy is willing to help by letting me fly without my passport, I just have to pay for a ticket and settle Hotel bills. Unfortunately for me, I can't have access to funds without my credit card, I've made contact with my bank but they need more time to come up with a new one. I was thinking of asking you to lend me some quick funds (3500 dollars) that I can give back as soon as I get in. I really need to be on the next available flight.
Western Union transfer is the best option to send money to me. Let me know if you need my details(Full names/location) to make the transfer.
I await your response...
Ann W. Bowes 

Because we believe God is Who He says He is and can do what He says He will do, we are empowered to engage a lost world through ministry and witness that will be modeled, taught and nurtured among future generations. And without faith it is impossible to please God.  Hebrews 11:6a (NIV)

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