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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: william paul taylor <paultaylorwilliam4@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 21 May 2014 17:38:12 +0100
Subject: URGENT RESPOND

*Hello,As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me, because, I
believe everyone will die someday. My name is William Paul Taylor, a
merchant in Dubai, in the U.A.E.I have been diagnosed with Esophageal
Cancer which was discovered very late, due to my laxity in carrying for my
health. It has defiled all forms of medicine, and right now I have only
about a few months to live, according to medical experts. I have not
particularly lived my life so well, as I never really cared for anyone not
even myself but my business.Though I am wealthy, I was never generous, I
was always hostile to people and only focus on my business as that was the
only thing I cared for. But now I regret all this as I now know that there
is more to life than just wanting to have or make all the money in the
world. I believe when God gives me a second chance to come to this world I
would live my life a different way from how I have lived it. Now that God!
Has called me, I have willed and given most of my properties and assets to
my immediate and extended family members and as well as a few close
friends. I want God to be merciful to me and accept my soul and so, I have
decided to give arms to charity organizations and give succor and comfort
to the less privileged in our societies, as I want this to be one of the
last good deeds I do on earth.So far, I have distributed money to some
charity organizations in the U.A.E, Algeria and Malaysia. Now that my
health has deteriorated so badly, I cannot do this myself anymore. I once
asked members of my family to close one of my accounts and distribute the
money which I have there to charity organization and to the less privileged
in Bulgaria and Pakistan, they refused and kept the money to themselves.
Hence, I do not trust them anymore, as they seem not to be contended with
what I have left for them.The last of my money which no one knows of is the
huge cash deposit of twenty four million dollars that I have with a
Security Company in Europe for safe keeping. I will want you to help me
collect this deposit and disburse it to some charity organizations and to
the less privileged. Please send me a mail to indicate if you will assist
me in this disbursement. I have set aside 10% for you for your time and
patience. While I await to hear from you, may God be with you and your
entire family.You reach me via this email only : wwkoffce@yahoo.com
<wwkoffce@yahoo.com>Remain blessed.William Paul Taylor.*

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