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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: "Mellisa Thomas" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <onlinemellisa@yahoo.com.ph>
Date: Wed, 4 Apr 2012 15:04:38 +0500
Subject: FROM MELLISA.

From: Mrs. Mellisa Thomas
17 Copse Hill,Wimbledon,
SW20 0NE,London,
United Kingdom.


My Dear Beloved One,

I am the woman from above Address and now undergoing medical treatment in Barnes Hospital, South Wople Way, SW14 8SU, London, England. I am married to Sir Raymond Thomas who worked with British Judicial Commission in Chelsea England for over a decade before he died on5th of July in the year 2005. We were married for fifteen years without a child. He died after a brief illness that lasted for two weeks.

Before his death he made a vow to use his wealth for the down trodden and the less privileged in the society. Since his death I decided not to re-marry or get a child outside my matrimonial home. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of £12 Million (Twelve Million Pounds sterling)} with one Financial/Security Company in United Kingdom. Presently, this money is still with the Security Company. Recently, my Doctor told me that I would not last for the next 4 months due to a rare form of cancer of the pancreas.

Though what disturbs me most is my stroke. Having known my condition I decided to donate this fund to an individual or better still a God fearing person who will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct herein. Though I may not know you personally I want to tell you that, through divine word of wisdom from above, I was asked to tell you to do this, not for me but for The Almighty because you are blessed and you have been chosen to do mighty works for the Almighty. I want an individual that will use this to fund and provide succor to poor and destitute persons, orphanages, and widows and for propagating peace in the universe. I understand that blessed is the hand that gives. I took this decision because I don’t have a child who will inherit this money and my husband's relatives are not inclined to helping poor persons and I do not want my husband's hard earned money to be misused or spent in the manner in which my late husband did not specify.

The reason for taking this bold decision, I am not afraid of death since I know where I am going. I know that I am going to be in the bosom of the Almighty. I do not need any telephone communication in this regard because of my health, and because of the presence of my husband's relatives around me always. I do not want them to know about this development. With God all things are possible As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the Financial/Security Company in United Kingdom. I will also issue you a letter of authority that will empower you as the original beneficiary of this fund. I implore you to always pray for me. My happiness is that I lived a life worthy of emulation. Whosoever that wants to serve the Almighty must serve him with all his heart and mind and soul and also in truth.

Please, always be prayerful all through your life. Any delay in your reply will give me room in sourcing for an individual for this same purpose. Please assure me that you will act according to my specification herein. I will also be most glad if you can tell me a little about yourself. Hoping to hear from you. Thank you and may the Almighty bless you. You can contact me with your positive response. You can email me on onlinemellisa@yahoo.com.ph
Yours since

Mrs. Mellisa Thomas

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