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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: "mariabanks10@zipmail.com.br" <mariabanks10@zipmail.com.br>
Date: Mon, 19 Aug 2013 16:15:34 -0300
Subject: Message From Colonel Mary Sasu Banks, Please I need Your Assistance

 Dear Sir/Madam,

My Name is Colonel Mary Sasu Banks, I am a US marine and I got your contact from your country business directorate,I believe that you will be a very good and honest person to handle this project for me.I am writing to you to propose a business adventure to you. I have the sum of $6.8million dollars to invest in a business. The fund is already in London and its awaiting clearance from the Security Company where the united nation diplomat deposited it. It is packaged in a seal box. You are entitling to 30% of the total amount, if you agreed to help me secure the fund.

It might sound outrageous for me to suggest this proposal to you but you are highly recommended and that is why I have come to trust you. Issues like this come once in our life time and I believe it’s not a mistake that we have come to know each other. Please I will not like to disclose more, until you confirm your interest to this matter. Meanwhile I will send you my picture and other related memorandum of understanding for this transaction immediately you indicate your willingness. Waiting for your reply.

Col. Mary Banks

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