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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. Cecelia Holmes" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrsceceliaholmes09@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Sat, 21 Jul 2012 02:32:05 +0200
Subject: Dear Beloved .....

Dear Beloved ,
 
It is by the grace of God that I received Christ, having known the truth; I had no choice than to do what is lawful and just in the sight  of God for eternal life and in the sight of man for witness of God &  His Mercies and glory upon my life.
 
I know it will be a great surprise to you reading from me today but consider this a divine intervention. My Name is Mrs. Cecelia Holmes I am 72 Years old from Oklahoma United State of America.I have to be brief as i am very weak at the moment. I had a Joint business with my Late Husband who Died in a terrorist Attack September 11 attack 2001 along with my lovely Daughter in United State of America,on that fateful day i felt that the world have come to an end but i manage to live with the fate. I managed my late husbands investments and contracts until my present Medical Condition developed.
 
Last year i experience restlessness and sleepless nights so my Doctor sent me on a general Medical Check up which i was finally diagnosed to have cancer of the blood cells ( Leukemia ) . Since i was not able to manage my multiple Investments anymore , i rather donate my money to the less privilege, orphanage homes and the Church than to allow it been confiscate by government or people that i cannot trust but what disturbs me most is that i cannot be able to handle it now due to my present condition hence my reason for contacting you. I know that my story will sadden your heart but my new found life has made me understand that even if we die in this physical flesh, What matters is life after death. let me have your word in  order to use the money wisely to help the less privileged as i grew up in an orphanage home. Please reply to my private email  (mrsceceliaholmes11@yahoo.co.jp) 
 
 
Best Regards
Mrs. Cecelia Holmes (Mother Cecelia)
 
 

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