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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: contatti@bacomoda.it
Reply-To: simonmarsh1975@gmail.com
Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 03:39:59 -0300
Subject: NEXT OF KIN


Good day, My name is Barrister Simon Marsh, I am attorney to a late client =
who shares the same last name with you and also made investments with the "=
HSBC BANK". My client died in testate and nominated no successor in title o=
ver the investments ($USD 12,500,000) made with the bank. However, I would =
like to intimate you with certain facts that I believe would be of interest=
to you. You share similar details (same lastname/surname) to my late clien=
t; I am prepared to place you as his available next-of-kin so his bank woul=
d pay the deposits to you as the closest surviving relation. Upon receipt o=
f the deposit, I am prepared to share the money with you, that is, I will s=
imply nominate you as the next of kin and We share the proceeds 50/50. I as=
sure you that I could have the deposit released to you within few days. Fin=
ally, If you find yourself able to work with me and be of one accord, kindl=
y revert to me asap. Kind regards, Barr Simon Marsh.

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