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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: "Gilb Houng" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <gilbhoun50@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 24 Feb 2016 22:32:55 -1100
Subject: Re: Carefully ready!

Dear Sir, 
 
I was dedicated to write this private letter to you considering my political position in the government. This letter is for business negotiation and I hope that you will not expose or betray this trust that I am about to repose on you for the mutual benefit of our both families.
 
My name is Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, I am a Citizen of Republic of Togo, born in Tripoli Libya, I was a Prime Minister of the Republic of Togo 2008 to 2012. And Presently, I occupied the seat of Deputy Director General for Field Operations. You can read my profile more in GOOGLE PAGE with my name.
 
But the most important thing in this investment is my security and secrecy of the investment project; I need absolute measure of secrecy in this business because of my present position in the government.
 
This letter is for business negotiation, and I would like to know if you can be of assistance for an investment project in your country. Im looking for an honest investor, a Company Owner that is capable to handle multimillion dollars investment. Also I have 520-KG Gold Bar which we can deposit in your bank to gain interest or we can sale if you have buyer.
 
I will like to invest in Real Estate Management, Existing factory Company or building of new factory , building of 5* hotels, or in any lucrative business venture you shall advise.
 
Note: If we both agree in everything for the investment plans in your country or any country of your choice, then you shall make plan for us to have face to face meeting by flying down for signing of the investment contract agreement. And after that, fund will be transfer to your bank account via (MT103) Wire Transfer in your present immediately after both parties conclude the contract agreement endorsement.
 
Waiting for your urgent communication.
Best regards
Hon. Gilbert Houngbo

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