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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: Jacob Morgan <marycop823@gmail.com>
Reply-To: jacobm1515@hotmail.com
Date: Thu, 5 Mar 2015 02:33:37 -0800
Subject: FROM CANADA

Hello,

I know that this letter will reach you as a surprise, for the simple
fact that we have never met. Rest assured because these are good
intentions.
I'm Jacob Morgan, Director of the Audit department of a bank in
Canada, During my research at the bank, we have a client, Mr Anthonio
Donoloi, who happens to be a closed family friend. Mr Anthonio Donoloi
has an account balance of more than $11,500,000.00 precisely in our
bank Unfortunately, he died in a plane crash traveling on holidays
with his family. His wife and children (two son and a daughter) also
died in the crash. Thus, leaving no one as close relatives to recover
the account. Regulation by our bank states that any account that is
dormant for Eight (8) years of financial year will be confiscated by
the bank and the money will be given to the government after which the
account will be permanently Blocked. I made every possible effort to
contact any of Mr Anthonio Donoloi relations to claim the money but
all was in vain. Therefore, I will need a credible person who will act
as relatives of the deceased Mr Anthonio Donoloi and claim this
money.You will leave the area of transfer to me because I will be the
person to make the transfer and i will take all the consequences that
may arise.

But more importantly, I do not want my bank to realize that I am
directly involved in this transaction as that could put my job on the
line and my career in state complication. More details will be given
to you upon confirmation of your interest. Please treat this matter
very confidential and strictly private, I await your urgent response.
I will give you full details if you are ready to work with me, I want
to reassure you that there is no risk involve, your safety is
guaranteed.

Sincerely,
Jacob Morgan

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