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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: Serena Benson <anitaifezuo222@yahoo.co.jp>
Reply-To: Serena Benson <bserena2797@yahoo.ca>
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 2015 18:30:05 +0900 (JST)
Subject: Good day,


Good day,
It is with heart full of hope but with tears in my eyes that I write to seek your assistance on the subject below.Please I need your kind and urgent assistance to build a sincere and honest relationship,My name is Miss.Serena Benson a 27years old female single Canadian. Meanwhile,I wish to inquire of your services to be my foreign partner / investor and support me to transfer and manage my funds by investing in profit making ventures like buying of company shares,Diamond Jewels or Real Estate Investment Trust funds in your country.I have a reasonable sum that I inherited from my step father Mr.Franks Benson, which I would like you to help me invest it in your country.
I will give you all the necessary information you may require to proceed towards transferring the money to your account as I believe that this transaction would be concluded within few days you signify your interest to assist me.  

Anticipating to hear from you urgently.

Thanks and God bless you.

Yours Sincerely,
Miss.Serena Benson

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