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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: "ALFRED ROBERT" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <robert_alfred@accountant.com>
Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2013 22:47:28 -0000
Subject: CAN YOU HELP?

 
Attention Please,
   This message might meet you in utmost surprise, however,it's just my urgent
need for foreign partner that made me to contact you for this transaction .
I have the opportunity of transferring the left over funds
of one of my  clients. Mr Williams.who died in a  plane crash.
However, I am very much aware that he has left enough wealth that will last
his generation a lifetime. The true situation at the moment is that the
said amount was deposited here in UK only to be paid
out to a charity home.The charity home/organization would have to be picked
by my law office. This implies that you will stand as the beneficiary to
this Will so that the funds could be processed and transferred to your
account. If you are ready and in a position to assist me. You do not need to
have a charity organization, all you need do is to declare your interest
and show seriousness.If you show seriousness.Further details of the transfer
will be forwarded to you as soon as i receive your return mail.
 
Please, note that this will involve some(expenses)you will make
some expenses to achieve this transaction.Do not respond to this proposal if
you cannot handle it.
If you interested get back to me.
Yours faithfully,
ALFRED ROBERT

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