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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: Yolanda Pollonais <jazzyfinishings@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: Jazzyfinshings@hotmail.com
Date: Mon, 21 Sep 2015 07:47:47 -0700
Subject: Turkey Trip...Yolanda Pollonais

I hope you get this on time,I made a trip to Istanbul (Turkey) and i had my bag stolen from me with my passport and personal effects therein.The embassy has just issued me a temporary passport but i have to pay for a ticket and settle my hotel bills with the Manager.

I have made contact with my bank but it would take me 3-5 working days to access funds in my account,the bad news is my flight will be leaving in Few Hours from now but I am having problem settling the hotel bills and the hotel manager won't let me leave until I settle the bills,I need you to help me with LOAN financially(£1,850) and I promise to make the refunds once i get back home,you are my last resort and hope,Please let me know if i can count on you and i need you to keep checking your email because it's the only way I can reach you.

Western Union Transfer is the fastest option to wire funds to me. Get back to me so i can forward you the details needed to effect the transfer.

I await to hear from you.

Best Regards,
Yolanda

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