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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Attention: Dear Sir/Madam" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrsmarianajoubert@e-mail.ua>
Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2013 09:22:10 -0600
Subject: Attention: Dear Sir/Madam

Attention: Dear Sir/Madam,
 
With due respect, trust and humility, I write to you irrespective of the fact that you do not know me, but please do consider this letter as a request from a widow and family in dire need of assistance at a very critical time.
 
I am Mrs. Mariana Joubert, the widow of late Mr. Kobus  Joubert, the former member of the Zimbabwean Commercial Farmers Union who was murdered in cold bold by black revolutionists last three year on October 25th, 2010 in my presence. I was also mercilessly beaten and left to die but was lucky enough to be rushed to the hospital by some good Samaritans. You can read up the news of what happened to us in this site (http://www.zimbabwesituation.org/?p=21289) I got your contact courtesy of a business journal from the Cotonou, Benin Republic Information Exchange in my earnest search for a reliable, kind hearted, God fearing and trustworthy individual or company who can assist my family at this time of need.
 
During the war waged against the farmers in Zimbabwe by the supporters and cohorts of President Robert Mugabe to claim all the white owned farms in his country Zimbabwe, my late husband belonged to one of the classes of farmers targeted by the ZANU-PF armed group and war veterans, because he did not support their ideas and policies. In the course of the revolution in the country, the ZANU-PF armed group attacked and invaded my husband's farms, burning, destroying and eventually killing him after harassing and beaten me up mercilessly. After my husband's death.
 
We escaped safely into Republic of Benin with my husband's lifetime fortune of US$34.5Million (Thirty Four Million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) cash, important documents of property title and other valuables, which were concealed and secured in two treasure boxes, and transported to Accra Ghana and  through diplomatic means. The consignment boxes are currently safely lodged and secured into the vaults of the two reputable security and brokerage firms in Accra Ghana.
 
Presently, I am residing temporarily with my sons in Cotonou, Benin Republic as political asylum seekers. At the moment, I am in a dilemma on how to move this money safely out from the security company for investments overseas, because Ghana Government’s stringent monetary policies/regulations. More so, owing to the sensitive and volatile political status of the region, it would be most dangerous to attempt investments here as such act could jeopardize our chances.
 
I hereby solicit for your assistance in safely moving these funds into your bank account  on your arrival in the security company in Accra Ghana, for safekeeping pending our future arrival in your country for investments. The family has resolved to compensate you adequately by offering a brokerage commission of 25% of the money for your assistance. I have in mind to establish a good business and friendly relationship with you in the nearest future if you are able to assist us. Please, let me receive your approval or reply through my Email and if you are unable to assist please be kind to notify me so that I can look for a suitable alternative.
 
I earnestly await your positive response.
 
Yours Respectfully,
Mrs. Mariana Joubert.

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