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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: "Mrs.Amelia Konan" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <privateemail5590@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 21 Jul 2016 08:47:43 +0300
Subject: Help donate what I have to charities

My Dearest,

Let me use this opportunity to introduce myself briefly to you,My name is Mrs.Amelia Konan I am a dying woman who has decided to donate what I have to charities through you. You may be wondering why I chose you But someone has to be chosen. I know I have never met you but my mind tells me to do this, and I hope you act sincerely.

I am presently admitted in a hospital taking treatment.I will be going in for an operation, and i pray that I survive the operation. I have decided to Will/Donate the sum of $9,800,000.00 (Nine Million Eight hundred thousand Dollars) to charities through you for the good work of the Lord, and to help the motherless,less privileged,Orphans and widows.

You will take 30% of the total money for yourself.

I will appreciate your utmost confidentiality in this matter until the task is accomplished. If you are ready to carry on this task.

Please reply with out delay.
God bless you and your family.
Mrs.Amelia Konan

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