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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: Mrs Ruth Benson <ruthbson2345@gmail.com>
Reply-To: mrsruthbn@yahoo.fr
Date: Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:36:21 +0000
Subject: Donation From Mrs. Ruth Benson, Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Dearest One In Christ,

May the peace of the almighty Father be with you as read this message, as
it is obvious, that this message will meet you with great surprise.

I am Mrs Ruth Benson from Kuwait . I am married to Late Mr. Jean Benson who
was a competent business man here in Ivory Coast , for nine good years
before he died. We were married for many years without a child. He died
after a brief illness that lasted for only Eight days. Before his death we
were both born again Christian. Since his death I decided not to remarry or
get a child outside my matrimonial home.

When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of $(4.8 Million) USD
Four Million Eight Hundred Dollar as a Family Valuables in a Finance
Security Company here in Abidjan , Ivory Coast capital. Having known my
condition I decided to donate this fund to a church or a God fearing person
that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct herein. I want
a Church, NGOs, Government Organizations, Farmers or a God fearing Person
that will use this fund for orphanages, hospitals, schools, widows,
Lessprevilages, propagating the word of God and to endeavour that the house
of God is maintained.

I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly way.
This is why I am taking this decision. When this fund has transfer to your
country i will join you there for proper medical treatment. Exodus 14 VS 14
says that "the lord will fight my case and I shall hold my peace". With God
all things are possible.

As soon as I receive your reply in acceptance of working with me in the
kingdom of God , I shall give you the contact of the Finance Security
Company here in Abidjan Ivory Coast. I want you and the church to always
pray for me because the lord is my shepherd. My happiness is that I lived a
life of a worthy Christian. Whoever that wants to serve the Lord must
serve him in spirit and Truth.

Any delay in your reply will give me room in sourcing for another church or
a God fearing person for this same purpose. Please assure me that you will
act accordingly as I Stated herein. Hoping to receive your reply.
Remain blessed in the Lord.
Yours Sister In Christ,
Mrs. Ruth Benson

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