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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: "John Carnegie" <properties@carnegiedeli.com>
Reply-To: johncarnegieproperties2@yahoo.com
Date: Fri, 16 May 2014 20:25:52 +0900
Subject: I need your help.




Dear Reader,

I am John Carnegie 76 years of age and cancer patient suffering from
cancer of the lungs. Recently, my Doctor told me that I would not last for
the next 1 month.

Having known my condition, I decided to donate my inheritance of Four
Million Dollars ($4,000,000.00) to a church, organization or good person
that will utilize this money in good faith to help the poor instead of
forfeiting it to the bank when I will be no more.

I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this
money. I was married with my late wife without a child.

I have asked one thing of my creator; to bless me that I may bless others,
to give me that I may share with those who do not have; because on my own
I can do nothing ,but I can do all things through HIM that strengthens me.

I kept this deposit secret till date, this is why I am taking this
decision. I will not need any telephone communication in this regard
because of my illness.

If you are willing to make the world a better place by using this deposit
to help the poor and less previledged kindly provide me with your:

FIRST NAME:......... LAST NAME................ AGE:..........
ADDRESS:.......... CITY: ........... STATE:......... PHONE:...............
CELL PHONE..........

Upon your reply I shall give you the contact of the bank. I will also
issue a letter of authorization to the bank that will prove you the
present beneficiary of this money to enable them release the money to you.

My bible tells me that through wisdom a house is built, and by
understanding it is established; and by knowledge the rooms shall be
filled with all precious and pleasant riches. If you care, then this is
the time to proof your love for the poor.

As you do, may God bless you.

With love,

John Carnegie



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