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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: "Mr.Martin Holmes" (may be fake)
Date: Sat, 2 May 2015 12:17:03 -0400
Subject: Waiting to hear from you

In regards to: Asset Bequest to You.
Good Day
My name is Mr.Martin Holmes.; an Independent Legal and Financial Expert. I run a private Practice in legal Soliciting and Financial Consulting. In the process of carrying out a standard financial review exercise for the third quarter of this year (2015); I came across my late client's file that revealed a form he signed with an Investment Company here (Union Financiera Asturiana) which had your name on the next of kin column.
This file contains certificate for a convertible bond Deposit he made with the Investment Company that was traded over the years with different Asset Managers to yield a high profit value. In 2001, the subject matter (My Late Client); contacted me for legal Advice regarding a business discussion between him and Union Financiera Asturiana. He informed me that he had a financial portfolio of ?9.8Million (Euros) which he wished to Invest with the Private Investment Service arm of the Investment Company. I agreed to represent his Interest, so we met on numerous occasions prior to any investments being placed, carried out a feasibility study and assessment of the gainfully oriented areas before it gained my approval. I encouraged him to consider various growth funds with prime ratings and I helped him fashion out the placement of this trust.
Today, this Bonded Investment Trust he had has a surface value of 15Million Euros that has long matured for payment but due to his demise, it has not been paid by the Investment Company who confessed that no one has come for claims following my inquiry on this case.
It is pertinent you note that; my late client who shares same surname with you died intestate in Jan 2010 of AUTO ACCIDENT TRAUMA in Birmingham England, since this is his personal Offshore Investment Plan which had only your name matching the name on the Form as the Next of Kin, you are legally entitled to make claims as the only successor in title over his investment Trust. It is usually a mandatory protocol to specify next of kin in financial transactions that require forms, documentation, application or agreement.
As a foreign Investor he was, he relied on my service here on ground to advise and execute action on his behalf. However, I am prepared to place you in a position wherein the funds would be released to you as the only known surviving relative. I will ensure that every legal right and procedure is exercised to place you in a position that will ensure that the Deposit is released to you by the Investment Firm.
Due to the high surface value of the assets, it is legally fair that the Probate law which provides uncertainty of the original owner's absence be applied so that Assets would be transferred to his kin as the law provides. You shall be placed as the next of kin and through my office; I will ensure the release of the deposit to you by carrying out the necessary legal procedures to transfer ownership of Inheritance to you. I assure you that the deposit and release of these Funds to you will be done without breach of law and within 7 bank working days.
You have to be aware of the need for confidentiality in this letter, owing to the fact that Inheritance information are highly secured to avoid wrong claimant or third party interest. He made this Investment out of town in the bid to have an offshore financial security in case of unforeseen events. A convenient International money transfer medium that will protect you from breach of law will be initiated in line with Probate validation of ownership transfer to you. Please send me your contact details, number and address in your response to this letter as I expect that you keep the contents of this mail private and respect the integrity of the information revealed to you herein.
Cordially,
Mr.Martin Holmes.
Legal Financial Service
Consultants/Asset Security
Email:martholmes@adexec.com

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