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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: Mrs Melinda Cruz <kengustin757@yahoo.co.jp>
Reply-To: Mrs Melinda Cruz <melindacruz2014@yahoo.fr>
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2015 19:45:06 +0900 (JST)
Subject: Why you


God wish Why you,

This message might meet you in utmost surprise , its just my urgent need for foreign partner that made me to contact you. 

I am Melinda Cruz a France Citizen , I am 59 years, I was brought up in a motherless babies home,that is why I decided  to give them gift for this New year  and the poor, widows around your country. 

I will like this money to be invested into a very good LUCRATIVE VENTURE of your choice that will be giving out proceeds to be distributed each year Among the charity organization

My Doctors have courageously advised me that I May not live beyond next month,that is why,I want you or somebody you no to receive this gift of money on my behalf since I can not come over as a result of my illness.

If you are ready to received the Gift of the money to help needys , I hope you will help me see that my last wishes come true.

Get back to me for more details.

Yours in Christ
Mrs ,Melinda Cruz

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