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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: "MR. DONALD TEMPLE" <donaldtemple@live.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:29:39 -0700
Subject: YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THIS PROPOSAL NEEDED

Dear friend, I would like to apply through this medium for your co-
operation and to secure an opportunity to invest and do joint business
with you and my family in your country. I have a substantial capital of
$7.5 million United State Dollars Only. I honorably intend to invest in
your country into a very lucrative business venture of which you are to
advise and execute the said venture over there for our mutual benefits.
Your able co- operation is to become my business partner in your country
and create ideas on how the money will be invested, properly managed
after the money is transferred to your care. Meanwhile , on indication
of your willingness to handle this project sincerely by protecting our
interests and upon your acceptance of this proposal, I would furnish you
with the full detailed information, on how this transaction will take
place and who and who is involved and we will mutually agree on the
percentage or sharing ratio for your assistance. I will be glad to
reserve this respect and opportunity for you, if you so desire. It will
be appreciated if you can give this matter your immediate attention, as
I need a serious and legitimate partner only, not illegitimate partner
and time wasters. The allowance would be attractive if we eventually
agreed to work with each other. Looking forward to receive your swift
response to my proposal, Sincer ely
Mr. Donald Temple B. (From Sierra Lone)

Anti-fraud resources: