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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: "CAPTAIN JOHN ANTHONY" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <captjohn201@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 19 Aug 2016 02:37:27 -0700
Subject: I REQUEST URGENT HELP FROM YOU!

Greetings.
 
I am sorry to encroach into your privacy in this manner.
 
I found you listed in the (DOD) Database and I find it pleasurable to offer you my partnership in business. Please, I really want to solicit your attention to receive money on my behalf. I am Capt.John Anthony , an officer in the US Army, and also a West Point Graduate presently serving in the Military with the 82nd AirBorne Division Peace keeping force currently deployed in Afghanistan. We were moved to Afghanistan from IRAQ as the last batch just left, and I really need your help in assisting me with the safe keeping of two military trunk boxes. Anywhere you are i will direct the consignment to be shipped there from IRAQ.
 
HOPE YOU CAN BE TRUSTED ?.
 
 
You will be rewarded handsomely if you could help me secure the funds until I conclude my service here in Afghanistan.
 
If you can be trusted, I will explain further when I get a response from you today.
 
Expecting your early reply ! via captjohn201@gmail.com
 
God bless you.
Regards,
Capt. John Anthony

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