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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: Kenneth Listhrop <klisthrop@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: kllisthrop@yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:07:12 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Urgent Help...Kenneth Listhrop


hello,
           I am writing this message to you in deep sadness,I and my family are currently stuck in france .We came in on a short vacation unfortunately we were mugged last night in an alley by a gang of thugs on our way back from shopping,i was injured and all our belongings(cash, cellphone and credit cards) were all stolen at "Gun Point" honestly it was beyond a dreadful experience for us.I have reported to the police here and canceled all our cards, it appeared I acted quickly enough or they almost would have succeeded in cleaning out my bank account.
   I'm really having some difficulties clearing our hotel bills so we can catch a flight back home as soon as possible,i need your financial assistance in sorting out the hotel bills, i need you  to loan me some money about 1,650 Euros,promise to refund as soon as am back home.Please Kindly write back so I can give you details on how you can send the money over here,i need your urgent help.

Awaiting your prompt responseThanks

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