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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: "Mrs. Amanda" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <a.m_johnson@yahoo.com.tw>
Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2012 00:06:03 -0700
Subject: From Mrs. Amanda

Good day

My name is Mrs. Amanda Johnson, I am a dying woman who had decided to donate what I have to the Charities. I am 58 years old, I was diagnosed for cancer about four years ago, immediately after the death of my husband, I have been touched to donate from what I have inherited from my late husband for the good work.

As I lay on my sick bed and about to go for my last surgery that I don't know if I will make it out of the surgery room, I want you to help me in carrying out my last wish on earth if it is the only thing I do before I die my soul will be glad and I know I will find rest were ever I will be, I know it is going to be very profitable to you too. I want to WILL some Millions Dollars to you, which is my last and final WILL to somebody God want me to bless and to bless others too, please I want you to distribute part of it to any charity home for me as well.

Please if you know you are willing and be as honest even when am not there you will reach out to souls by helping the helpless once. Get back to me ASAP.


Regards,
Mrs. Amanda Johnson

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