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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: "Dr.Paul Owen" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <drpaul27@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 13 Nov 2015 17:16:50 +0100
Subject: Dear Good Friend

>From Dr Paul Owen
African Development Bank Republic Du Benin
Cotonou Benin Republic.

Dear Good Friend,

How are you doing? hope fine.

I am Auditor General in African Development Bank Republic Du Benin On my routine inspection I discovered a dormant domiciliary account
with the deposit of ($9.6Million USD) by late Mr Khalead Guei without any heir. I write to seek your indulgence and assistance in
moving this funds to your country through legal means.

Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives, I now seek your consent to present you as the next of kin Of the deceased since
you a foreigner , so that the Proceeds of this account valued at $9.6million Dollars can be paid to you subsequently to be shared
among us If you agree, we share it 50/50.

I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement That will protect you from any breach of the law. Let me know if you
can handle it??

I wait for your urgent response. Please provide your mobile number for easy communication.

Regards,

Dr Paul Owen.
Auditor General
Email; drpaul27@gmail.com

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