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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: "ONOWEH" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <f.m.f@msn.com>
Date: Tue, 3 Dec 2013 09:05:22 -0500
Subject: ATTENTION PLEASE/URGENT"

Attn:The Managing Director/Ceo
Sir,
It's my most pleasure writing you following an esteem recommendation made of you, it would be my most pleasure to co-operate with in transferring some money into your bank account for investment purpose.
The money in question is a proceed from crude oil sales during the Liberian civil war. Due to tension of the war, there was no proper documentation of the crude sales as a result, this US$50 Million is left un-accountable and has being floating in our suspense account.
It has however been secured for and could be transferred to any account of our choice.
The fund had been carefully secured for onward transfer into account of our choice, we now wish to transfer it out for investment, based on this therefore we seek for a reliable and trustworthy person hence inform my approach to you.
Note, every arrangement towards it’s transfer has been perfected as the accountant general of the federation and minister of finance   are involved. We have however agreed to offer you 25% of the total money for your participation and nomination of account.
You will be provided with more information as soon as you confirm your interest.
Thanks for your anticipated co-operation.
 
J . Onoweh
Chairman senate committee on debt and allied matters.

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