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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: "Mrs.Helen Smith Smith" <mrs.helensmithsmith@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 5 Mar 2014 15:45:43 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Peace be unto you and your family?


Dearest,

Peace be unto you and your family?

I am Mrs.Helen Smith from Australia, I am 62 years old and has breast cancer,and i am presently under going treatment at the Preston Royal Hospital, London United Kingdom, I lost my husband late Mr. James Smith 12 years ago without achild of mine.

I have to sell all the properties left by my husband because the doctors said I have to live less than two months from now.

I deposited funds worth 7.5million dollars I realized from the sale of our estate with one  of the banks here as family valuable.

I would want to WILL this fortune to you if you are good and honest person, I will have you contact  the bank here and claim the funds before I die with my lawyer's assistance if you promise me that you are going to carry out my wishes to the very last without going contrary.

I look forward to your positive response, and may God bless you as you carry out my wishes.Get back to me through my alternative email address below:(smith_mrs.helen@yahoo.com)

Sincerely,


Mrs.Helen Smith

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