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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: Mark Hobbs <markhobb@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 13:56:22 +0100
Subject: ASSIST ME TO INVEST IN YOUR COUNTRY


Dear Sir/Madam

I am sorry to encroach into your privacy in this manner, I found you listed in one of the address directories at the Trade Chambers of Commerce here in Iraq.

I am Sgt. Mark Hobbs, an officer, serving in the US Army, and also a West Point Graduate presently serving in the Military with the 82nd Airborne Division Peace keeping force in Baghdad, Iraq.

I find it pleasurable to offer you my partnership in business. I only pray at this time that your address is still valid.I want you to assist me receive the sum of $14,000.000.00 (Fourteen Million United States Dollars ) for investment in your country,I promise to offer you 30% of the total money and i will invest 70% in your country.

Please get in touch with me immediately if you are interested for more details.

Awaits your urgent reply.

Regards,
Mark Hobbs



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