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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: "Caroline Clark Thouless" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <caro.clarkthoules@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2015 00:42:09 +0100
Subject: Reaching You Personally.

>From The desk of Caroline Clark Thouless
Good day to Ray,
I am very glad I am able to reach you through this medium. As I explain here-under, I hope it would bring you to a better understanding why I am excited about this contact.
My deceased Boss, a foreign construction engineer died while on vacation some years ago at the Persian Gulf off Bahrain after their cruise boat capsized. I was devastated when I heard the tragic news the following day; as it dawned on me that he was involved in the fatal accident.
I have been contacted to provide a next-of-kin by the dormant account management department of the bank where he had a domiciliary account. I have tried exhaustively to locate any of his true extended relatives and I have even gone as far as making inquiries to his country's embassy here since he died without a will and has not appointed an administrator; but all to no avail.
Particularly, the management has issued me a notice to act within the next ninety official working days. I therefore seek your kind consideration due to the peculiarity, to assist in repatriating this money left behind and to put it into good use and also part for our personal enrichment and further investment; otherwise, it would be reverted to the bank's coffers.
We shall officially within the laws obtain all necessary documents and within weeks you take full possession. Your honest co-operation can see the process through. Write me so we can deliberate and begin the process swiftly.
 
Respectfully,
Caroline Clark Thouless



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