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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: TERRY SHARP <t.a.sharp@btinternet.com>
Reply-To: t.asharpp@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2012 06:51:59 +0100 (BST)
Subject: I NEED YOUR URGENT HELP...TERRY SHARP


Hi,







Just writing to let you know about our trip to Madrid,Spain has been a
mess. We were having a great time until last night when we got mugged
and lost all my cash,credit card and cellphone It has been a scary
experience, I was hit at the back of my neck with a club. Anyway,I've
been to the embassy and the Police here they're not helping issues at
all I'm still alive and that's whats important. I'm financially strapped
right now and need your help. I need you to loan me some $$, I'll
refund it to you as soon as I arrive home.Write me back so I can tell
you how to get it to me.







Regards,



Terry




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