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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: Vanessa Halford <vanhalcares4u@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2012 00:53:42 -0800 (PST)
Subject: BE MY FRIEND!!


Hi Dear,
 I got your email address 0n the internate and I am interested to be your friend to know what future holds for us by the grace of God. Please I would be very glad to hear from you as soon as possible for further introductions.My name is Vanessa Halford. I am single female, a citizen of Marble head Massachusetts USA . I was born on 15Th April, 1986. I weigh 120 pounds (55 Kg.) and my height is 5ft 5". Have blue eyes, and blonde hair. I have college degree in Business Administration at the  University of Bristol, Bristol United Kingdom. Presently, I’m working as project analyst with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is an international public health agency. I am fun loving lady, caring, loving, respectful and faithful. I have a great sense of humor. I am looking for a man that is kind, caring, loving and independent to have a stable relationship. A man that is comfortable and ready to build his
own family. My friend could be of any age and any nationality. I promise to be loyal, serious and open minded.Please reply me as soon as possible with this email address:  vanhalcares4u@yahoo.comYours lovely, Vanessa Halford

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