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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: "Mrs. Ono Yasushi" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <wallaceyoug1uk@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2013 14:58:12 -0700
Subject: RE: Greetings to you my dear beloved one

Attn: Pls,
 
This email comes from a devastated sorrowful and emotional laden soul that needs compassion, I married to late Mr. Yasushi, who left me with unimaginable pain to eternity after a brief illness few months ago. I have been entrusted with the sum of Eighty Million United States Dollars, the accrued savings and life insurance gratuity of my late husband.
 
I have been diagnosed of a complex case of ovarian cancer that has spread into my pelvic cavity, I rather die than continue living like this and according to my doctor, I may die any moment from the above sickness. I have survived three surgical operations in two weeks now, I prefer to die than living in pain. I have wholeheartedly trusted in your good honesty to
distribute the $80,000,000.00 to churches and orphanage homes. Doctor restricted me from taking telephone calls because my condition is getting worst everyday, I'd rather die than have to face the difficulties of living. I will appreciate if you will forward me your details to enable my lawyer proceed with the notarization of the funds as a matter of urgency:
 
1. Full Name:
2. Full Address:
3. Your Age:
4. Any Kind of Identification.
 
Regards,
 
Mrs. Ono Yasushi

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