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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: Ahmad Abdulkarim <abdulkarimaaa1955@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 10 Feb 2014 13:56:59 -0800
Subject: URGENT PLEASE

Dear Sir*,* I feel compelled to write this mail to you following the
tragedy that befalls me. This was despite the fact that you may feel
embarrass to receive a mail from someone you don't know. I visited a
website where I got your email address. I am Alhaji Ahmad Abdulkarim.
Recently,
I lost properties in different parts of Northern Nigeria which was
destroyed by Boko Haram Islamist militants. This menace has been lingering
in Nigeria for long and many lives and properties have been lost. Our
government is yet to find solution to the problem. Lives and properties are
being destroyed daily especially in my state of origin, Borno. Federal
Government of Nigeria, on 14th May, 2013, declared a State of Emergency in
my state and two others. In pursuit of peace and security for my family
following the escalating security tension and terrorist threats in Nigeria
I have decided to quit politics and take my family to your country for
settlement. It is pertinent to note that, a state of lawlessness had begun
to emerge in Nigeria states, spurred by elements using terrorist tactics,
with the ultimate objective of destabilizing the Nigerian state. In
pursuance of my objective I wish to request that you should help me to
transfer my money to your country through your bank account to enable me
establish lucrative business that will sustain my family during our stay in
your country. I have large sums of money to transfer to your country for
investment if you can assist. Nigerian law prohibits politicians from
owning foreign account and I don't have any and hence my reason to solicit
for your assistance. With your assistance I can establish one in your
country to keep my money. I would be pleased if you can give my request
your utmost consideration. I have considered your country security and
economy good for investments and safer to keep money. In our subsequent
correspondence we will discuss terms. Thanks in anticipation of your
cooperation. I look forward for your unflinching support to this proposal.

Yours truly,

Ahmad

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