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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: "ELTON JONES" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <eltonjones86@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Fri, 27 Feb 2015 15:01:07 +0100
Subject: Please Treat as Urgent.

Good Day,
 
 
I hope my email meet you well. My name is Mr. Elton Jones; I work with Santander Bank, London, UK. I have a proposal of $8,000,000 million US Dollars, from my bank.
 
There were no beneficiaries stated concerning these funds over 11 years, and no one has come or would come to claim it because it has exceeded the time period. I want us to work together as to have the sum transferred into your bank account. I will provide all the necessary documents on your behalf.
 
 
I shall have 48% because I will provide every necessary document and 48% for you, while 4% will be for the privileges if you desire and provided that you will work according to my instruction.
Your own part is to find safe bank account where the 8million will be transferred safely.
 
 
As soon as I receive your response, I will furnish you with more details.
 
Thanks.
 
Regards,
 
Mr. Elton Jones.

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