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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: "DR.ABDULLAH" <drjohnson950@gmail.com>
Reply-To: dr.mr.abdullah@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 21:48:03 +0100
Subject:

Greetings and compliments,

I am sorry to encroach into your privacy in this manner; I was requested by
my colleagues to contact you for assistance in resolving a matter.

We has recently concluded a large number of contracts for Minerals
exploration in the sub-Sahara region of Syria, the contracts have
immediately produced moneys equaling the sum of THIRTY EIGHT MILLION UNITED
STATES DOLLARS (US$38,000,000.00). However, because of certain regulations
of the Government of Syrian, it is difficult to move these funds to another
region hence we contacted you.

We are requesting for your permission as a non-Syrian citizen to assist us
in moving these funds, THIRTY EIGHT MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS
(US$38,000,000.00) out of this country and if the funds can be transferred
under your name to your bank account, then you can forward the funds as
maybe directed to us in exchange for your accommodating services, we would
agree to allow you to retain 15%, OR FIVE MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND
UNITED STATES DOLLARS (US$5,700,000.00) as your commission.

If it will be possible for you to assist us, we would be most grateful,
meanwhile the whole arrangement and directives needed to put claim over
this fund as the beneficiary/non-Syrian citizen will be forward to you upon
your acceptance. All information will be relayed to you as soon as you
indicate your interest and willingness to assist us and also benefit
yourself to this great business opportunity
Please reply us at your earliest convenience.
Thank you,
Dr Abdullah

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