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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. William Billington" <demo@gti.it>
Reply-To: williambillingtonfoundation@wildblue.net
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2014 08:52:27 +0800
Subject: Re: Project For Orphans

I apologize if my email startled you. I quite understand if you wondering as to why I chose you out of millions of people in the internet. However, I am confident about you as I have prayed over this asking God to give me the wisdom on how to distribute my wealth this fund in helping the needy and the less privileged. The bequest fund in question is to be used to help homes for motherless babies, helping the old, widows, widowers and also setting up a foundation in my name to the best of your capability. These are my desire and I know the good lord will surely see you through and empower you with his grace to see this great project to success.

I am a British Citizen who was an oil veteran and acquired a lot of wealth. I no longer feel safe dealing with close friends, relatives, neighbors and loved ones as trust are often betrayed by people you least expected. I am presently at the intensive care department of this great hospital undergoing medical treatment for cancer of the Lung and the doctors confirmed I have few months left to live. I was married without a child and my wife died after a brief illness in 2009. I have decided to be a blessing to the less privileged since the good Lord has placed it deep down my heart and most important of all, the promises made to my wife before her death, may her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. All I require from you is your kind assistance to bring my last wish to success as I am unable to do so at this point in time due to my ill health as my doctor’s confirmed I have few months to live.

I guarantee you of your safety and I’m willing to offer you 20% of the fund for your time, effort and endeavor to take charge of this project. I have also acquire the services of my local Lawyer here in the United Kingdom who will help in all legal procedure in terms of needed documents in your name i.e. Affidavit of next of kin and sole executor to my estate fund (US$20 Million). You must keep this project very confidential. To begin this process, kindly send me your Full names, Full address, date of birth, Telephone/Fax numbers, Occupation and also any form of ID. As soon as I have them, I shall forward same to my Lawyer for legal documentations. With all sincerity, I urge you to please consider the fact that we have lots of Children or orphans out there who are leaders of tomorrow that need this life changing opportunity around the world.

I look forward to hearing from you and may the good Lord bless you abundantly as you respond back in good faith to take charge of this great project.

Regards,
Mr. William G. Billington
11 Hebden Wilnecote,
Tamworth, Staffordshire B77 4HP
United Kingdom

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