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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 Esther Cole" <estherco12@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 06 Oct 2012 15:51:07 +0400
Subject: Hi

Hello Dear

Sorry to intrude on your privacy, as life and death have force me to
send you this urgent message. My name is Mrs Esther Cole, widow to
late Mr.Philip Cole. I am suffering from a long time cancer, which
also affected my heart. Since my doctor said i can't live more than 4
months, Having known my condition,I will want you to do me favor to
receive my funds($9,600.000.00 million united State dollars there in
your country or any safer place and help my only Daughter as well
distribute part of it to the charity.The funds are in a Finance Firm.
Is true we have not meet before but i am convice that you will take
good care of my only Daughter.

I will give you 20% of the total fund for your assistance.

1. Can you handle this project?
2. Can I give you this trust?

I wait your response for more details.

Regards
Mrs. Esther Cole,

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