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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: "RUSSEL WILLIAM" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <russelwill1960@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 31 Oct 2013 13:51:48 +0200
Subject: hello

Dear Sir,
I am writing you this mail to seek your sincere assistance. My name is Col. Russel William. I am attached to the UKTI Defence and Security Organisation (UKTI DSO) which is UK Joint Delegation to NATO.
 
My colleagues and I need a faithful, trustworthy partner, someone who is dedicated and committed to duty with trust to receive some funds on our behalf. It is Legal Oil money which was embezzled by some of the Libya Government Official during Muammar Gaddafi regime. We have about USD$15.5 Million (Fifteen Million Five Hundred Thousand United State Dollars) ready to be transferred to you for investment purposes from Libya. The money in question has been kept with a security company and was declared as personal effects.
 
Please, do not disclose this deal to anybody as to protect my duties with the Military; I must keep a low profile at all times. More details regarding this deal will be made available to you as soon as your interest is shown. Contact me through my private phone: +447924560973 or Fax: +448707620889
Your immediate response will be very much appreciated.
Regards,
Col. Russel William.

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