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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: Clive Bingham <clive.megan@xtra.co.nz>
Reply-To: clive.megen@yahoo.co.nz
Date: Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:54:29 +1300 (NZDT)
Subject: Emergency


Compliments of the season! I hope you are doing well. I don't really
mean to inconvenient you right now but just letting you know that I had
an urgent trip to Spain for a business-seminar. I'm passing through some
financial problem due to my predicament here. I was mugged &
attacked on my way back to the hotel.

Kindly observe utmost
confidentiality and be rest assured that I'm fine and not hurt but I
lost my money, cards & my mobile phone in the course of this attack.
Can you please borrow me some money [2500euros] or any amount you can
afford, I'll refund you back with interest upon my arrival.. Let me know
if you will be able to assist me with any amount, I can then forward you
the transfer details. I don't yet have another mobile phone (still
gathering my bearings and such), but you can contact me at my email
anytime.

I’ll expect your response soon. Thanks so much,
With Best Wishes,

Megan

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