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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: Miriam Esso <markedward@siren.ocn.ne.jp>
Reply-To: Miriam Esso <miriamessojsss1@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 6 Nov 2013 00:07:33 +0900 (JST)
Subject: help

help I want to let you know about my inheritance which my late father left for me before his death he had a large amount of Money, My name Is Miriam from Accra,Ghana i am 18 years and presently in a church guest home because of wickedness of my uncle's and relatives. Your help is needed for me to continue my education and have a better life.I shall forward to you with the necessary documents on confirmation of your acceptance to assist me for the immediate release of the money to you. I shall be glad to reserve this respect and opportunity for you, if you so desire, but i do urge you to give the matter your immediate attention it deserves if this proposal is acceptable by you, please do not make undue advantage of the trust i bestow on you, and your urgent reply is highly needed today. I am willing to offer you reasonable percentage from the total money as compensation for your effort. May God touch your heart and use you to bring back happiness and joy in my life. Thank you for your understanding

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