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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. Gloria Simonyi" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <msgloriasimo@yahoo.fr>
Date: Wed, 18 Sep 2013 19:33:21 -0700
Subject: I wait to hearing from you

Hi dear,
 
I am Mrs. Gloria Simonyi from Cotonou Benin republic, married to Late Mr. Alban Simonyi, who was a Top Government official before his death on 26th May 2012, while still on active duty. I am contacting you in confidence, and as a means of developing a cordial and fruitful business relationship. I currently have within my reach, the sum of Euro 25.7 Million, which came as a result of a payback contract deal between my late husband and a France Company, which he lodged in a Bank before his death.
 
Due to the current situation in the country concerning government’s attitude towards my family, i need your urgent help and assistance to retrieve and invest this money in any lucrative business venture in your country, to avoid us been bankruptcy. I took this decision after a brief meeting with my only Child and daughter, after which I decided to contact you.
 
In appreciation I will compensate you with 38% out of the total money for your help and assistance, while the balance shall be for our capital investment in your country and under your control.   Please if interested, write me back for more details and to proceed.
 
Thanks a lot and God Bless you.
 
I wait to hearing from you ok.
Sincerely.
Mrs. Gloria Simonyi

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