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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: "MARVYN KING" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <marvynkingg@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:34:38 +0200
Subject: URGENT PLS..


Although you might be nervous about my email as we have not met before. My name is Mervyn King, Bank of England I work with, there is the sum of EURO 20,600,000.00 (Twenty Million, Six Hundred Thousand Euros) in my bank, there were no beneficiary avowed Relating to These funds Which means no individual would ever like frontward to claim it.
The reason why I contacted you is That I want us to work together to transfer the funds out of my bank into your bank account or any other account of your choice. I will be pleased to see if you can help me And Also be a good and trusted person. Once the funds have been Transferred to your nominated bank account, Shall we then share in the ratio of 60% for me, 40% for you. Get back to me as soon as possible via the below e-mail.
I look forward to hear from you soonest.
Best Regards,
Sir.Mervyn King
Tel: + (44) 703 188 8562
E-mail:
marvynkking@gmail.com

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