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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: Kevin Patrick <donationoffer@yahoo.co.jp>
Reply-To: Kevin Patrick <kevinpatrick@barid.com>
Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2015 00:02:27 +0900 (JST)
Subject: Hi - let me know please


Hello Dear,

I have the sum of €10 Million (Ten Million Euro Only) to transfer to your care for our joint benefit and a subsequent disbursement between us. Let me know if you are capable to handle the said amount and I will give you more details.
Please, provide your full name and direct phone number because I would want to speak with you to enlighten you further on this matter.

I await your urgent reply if you are capable to handle such huge amount.
This business transaction is legal, legitimate and it is free of any risk because I have documents that will prove the legality and authenticity of the said funds.

As soon as I receive your reply, I will explain the origin of the funds and the next step. I will fill you in with further details upon your reply.
Your business status does not matter in this transaction, what matters is your ability to handle the amount of this magnitude which will be invested wisely in your care, and you will retain some percentage of the funds as compensation for your assistance.

Sincerely yours,
Kevin Patrick

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