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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: Palacios Cobo <kidr@rgia.su>
Reply-To: <mara_carmen.palacios_cobo@spainmail.com>
Date: Mon, 25 Jan 2016 01:05:48 +0100
Subject: Goodmorning,

Goodmorning,

It is understandable if you are apprehensive reading from me today since there was no previous communication between us. However, I implore your attention on the herewith contained subject matter which benefits our interest. I came across your contact via scrupulous search conducted by an IT specialist whom I have employed for the purpose of same, I am Barr. María Carmen Palacios Cobo (Mrs.) and I promote this communication in my capacity as the principal attorney of my law firm. A deceased client of my firm who died in 2008, left a sum a little above EUR 16 million in his account here in Spain. Normally Deposit firm procedure requires the firm to declare the deposit forfeitable and to transfer the proceeds to the Registry of Unclaimed Property for government use after 8 years from the time of death of the deceased.


The present situation underscores my contacting you given that you and my late client share the same name and nationality. I am disposed to present you as the beneficiary and administrator of the deposit. I am proposing a mutual sharing of the estate and a charity donation in part, the decision concerning charity organizations to make donation can be discussed in good faith when we meet. Expecting your response soon.

Kind Regards
María Carmen Palacios Cobo.
Attorney at-Law
María Carmen Palacios Cobo Abogados
Calle de Carlos Ramírez de Arellano, 5,
52001 Melilla (Melilla España,
Email:mara_carmen.palacios_cobo@spainmail.com

Anti-fraud resources: