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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: Martha Toni <martatoni2@outlook.com>
Date: Sat, 8 Mar 2014 22:47:33 +0100
Subject: Beloved,


Beloved,

My name is Mrs. Martha Toni. I’m from Cote Divoire. I was married to late Mr. James Toni who died in the year 2012. Before his death, he deposited the total sum of £4.700,000.00 million euro (Four Million, seven Hundred Thousand euro). Writing with humanitarian heart, I went for medical examination my doctor told me that I might not last for the next six months due to my breast cancer. Having known my condition, I decided to donate this fund for orphanages. I am a dying woman who has decided to donate what I have for the good work of charity. I have been touched by God to donate from what I have inherited from my late husband to you for the good work of God. I decided to donate the sum of £4.700,000.00 (four Million, seven Hundred Thousand euro) to you for the good work of the Lord, and also to help the motherless and less privilege and also for the assistance of the widows and unfortunate mothers.

Presently this fund is still in the vault of the Bank. I need someone who will use this fund according to the desire and dreams in setting up charity organization. After reading this letter, indicate your interest in having the funds.

Your full Name -----------------------
Your country -------------------------
Your address -------------------------
Your age -----------------------------
Your employment ----------------------
The telephone ------------------------

As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the Bank. I also will issue a sign the Power of attorney that will show the current beneficiary of these funds.

Yours sister
Mrs. Martha Toni.

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