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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: Susan Benson <susben1@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 4 Jul 2015 12:26:09 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: HELP ME OUT


Hello Dear,

How are you,I would like to use this opportunity to introduce myself to you. well, i am Susan 25 years old girl and I know that this proposal might be a surprise to you but do consider it as an emergency. My (late)father Dr Benson, was the personal adviser to the former head of state in my country ivory coast in west Africa. But he was killed along side with my mother during the longing civil war and all his properties was totally destroyed. However, after their death I managed to escape with a very important document (DEPOSIT CERTIFICATE of (US$10.5m)Ten million Five hundred thousand U.S Dollars deposited by my late father in A SECURITY AND FINANCE COMPANY)which i am the next of kin. Meanwhile,i am saddled with the problem of securing a trust worthy foreign personality to help me transfer the money over to his country and into his possession pending my arrival to meet with him. Furthermore,you can contact the Bank for confirmation and i will issue a letter of authorization on your name,that will enable the Bank  to deal with you on my behalf.

I am giving you this offers as mentioned with every confidence on your acceptance to assist me or take me as your friend and manage the money.Conclusively,i wish you send me a reply immediately as soon as you receive this proposal. for confidential purposes, your urgent reply will be highly appreciated.

Thanks
Miss Susan


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