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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: Carol Calotta <caroldc@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: Carol Calotta <carolddc@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2013 03:46:15 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Urgent Help Needed...........................Carol Calotta



hello,

          
I am writing this message to you in deep sadness,I and my family are
currently stuck in Philippines .We came in on a short vacation
unfortunately we were mugged last night in an alley by a gang of thugs
on our way back from shopping,i was injured and all our belongings(cash,
cellphone and credit cards) were all stolen at "Gun Point" honestly it
was beyond a dreadful experience for us.I have reported to the police
here and canceled all our cards, it appeared I acted quickly enough or
they almost would have succeeded in cleaning out my bank account.

  
I'm really having some difficulties clearing our hotel bills so we can
catch a flight back home as soon as possible,i need your financial
assistance in sorting out the hotel bills, i need you  to loan me some
money about $1,600 USD,promise to refund as soon as am back home.Please
Kindly write back so I can give you details on how you can send the
money over here,i need your urgent help.


Awaiting your prompt response
Carol Calotta

Thanks.

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