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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: Linda Morris <lindamorris10@outlook.com>
Date: Fri, 17 Apr 2015 01:51:02 +0000
Subject: inheritance claim


Our Ref: CLM389640It has been a long search for your contact, probably due to change of address. I have tried since May 2011 to contact you by post to inform you of my intention to request the execution of the final will and testament of Mr. (removed). This is because I have you on my records as a likely next of kin (second cousin) to his estate and finances which was valued to a substantial amount. Approximately Four million United States Dollars ($4,000,000.00) is held in administration with an Offshore Bank here InTurkey
My Client died as a result of the 2007 disaster in southern China while working as a contractor to the Chinese government. Prior to his death, I was not only his paid counsel but also a close friend and confidante. At the time of his death Evans was 64 years old, single and had no issues.
Should you wish to participate in this claim, do not reply by post, but rather contact my office within 14days in confidence by email, fax or phone quoting the reference above. If i do not hear from you within this period, you will not be contacted again. This is a once in a lifetime chance to lay claim to this fortune before it gets transferred to the Turkey government coffers. I am available 9am - 8pm Monday to Friday to take any inquiries regarding this. My chambers will undertake all transfer of paper work and file the claims on your behalf.
I look forward to hearing from you shortly.Yours Sincerely

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