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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: alex mikhael <alsampras@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: alex mikhael <alsanpras@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 25 Sep 2013 10:54:28 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: SAD NEWS...URGENT HELP NEEDED

I'm Sorry for bothering you with
my problem,I'm presently in United States,something extremely Awful
happened to me,I was robbed at gun point on my way to the Hotel by some
Hoodlums and they made away with my Bag and other valuables.I would have called you but don't have a phone presently.I have reported to the
police and they are investigating the matter but its taking a longer
time and I want to get back home.I have spoken to the embassy here but
they are not responding effectively to the matter. This is shameful,I
need you to help me with a loan of $2,350 dollars to pay my hotel bills
and get my self home.I will Pay you back with interest.I will appreciate whatever amount you can assist me with. Let me know asap.

My hopes on you,

Alex

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