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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: "Mr. Donald Lee" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <donaldle.private1@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 14 Jun 2014 08:23:55 +0100
Subject: Re: Can you Be Faithful?

From Mr. Donald Lee
 
Dear
 
How are you and your family today? I am aware of the unsafe nature of the internet and it is a fact that we have not met before neither have we had any previous business dealings, but I strongly believe that with understanding and trust we can have a successful business relationship.
 
I work as operations manager with a reputable bank here in my country, before us there is a great profitable opportunity and hope you will understand the nature of the transaction and keep it a top secret. In our current performance of annual audit, I discovered a late client funds in my bank worth (Twenty Million Great British Pounds) only. I want to present you as the owner in my bank since I am the only one aware of the funds due to my investigations and there were no beneficiaries stated concerning these funds.
 
It is economically viable and financially profitable Full details /modalities will be disclosed on your expression of Interest to partner with me. I am open for negotiation. Thanks for your anticipated corporation.
 
Yours Faithfully
Mr. Donald Lee
 
 

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