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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: Fidel Bongani <GEN@ansons.onmicrosoft.com>
Reply-To: <fidbon2012@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 10 Jan 2016 21:34:08 -0600
Subject: HELLO

Dear Sir/Madam.
HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL
l wish to solicit for your assistance in the transfer of huge sum of fund to a foreign bank account.
My name is Mr Fidel Bongani , a branch manager of a leading bank in South Africa.
This money was deposited in a fixed deposit account with my bank, by a foreign national, seven years ago. The length of time for the maturity of the fixed deposit was five years which expired towards the ending of last two years. Incidentally, Mr Frank Malone, who was the beneficiary died in a car Accident here in south Africa,in may 2009.No claim notice has reached the bank in this regard.I am willing to compensate you with 25% of the total amount,for your assistance. Kindly respond to this email stating your telephone/Fax numbers for further action. Email:fidbon2012@gmail.com
Regards.
Fidel Bongani.

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