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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: Phillip Barret <tomalebeveragescompany@gmail.com>
Reply-To: phillipbarret@hotmail.com
Date: Mon, 26 Sep 2016 13:03:26 +0100
Subject: I would like your urgent reply....

Hello,

I am Mr. Phillip Barret, a staff of a Zenith bank in the United
Kingdom. One of our accounts, with holding balance has been dormant
and last operated many years ago. Nobody has done anything as regards
the claiming of this money. This is because the account owner has no
family member or friends that are traceable. I have tried to locate
the relations but without success and that is why I decided to find a
reliable partner to move the money with.

My proposition to you is to seek your consent to present you as the
Next of kin and beneficiary of this late client, So that the proceeds
of this account shall be paid to you, and then we can share the amount
on a mutually agreed percentage.

This transaction is totally free of risk and troubles as the fund is
legitimate and does not originate from drug, money laundry, terrorism
or any other illegal act. The funds will be released to you after
necessary processes have been followed.

I anticipate your cooperation and utmost confidence. Awaiting your
reply stating your willingness.

Regards,

Phillip Barret

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