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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "MRS. ZAHRAH MOHD'S" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <zahranmohdadels@rayana.ir>
Date: Fri, 23 Dec 2016 21:14:02 -0000
Subject: From Mrs. Zahrah Mohd's,A Syrian Widow.

Greetings,
 
I know that this letter may be a very big surprise to you,in my search for a trusted person I stumbled on your email and I am believing Allah that you will be honest enough to fulfill my faithful wish.
 
My husband is a Syrian industrialist and a member of Syrian business men council in Damascus before his death. My family is under the threat of President Bashar al-Assad for our resolute support for a true democratic Government in Syria, which lead to my husband death.
 
Due to the current President Bashar al-Assad protest in the country as you can find out from this site, http://www.crowdvoice.org/protests-in-syria?gclid=CPLp6oCxx7cCFfMQtAodShwAdQ. Many families are running for their dear lives as soldiers are killing civilians, women and children. I want to bring to your notice that I have in my possession the sum of (Thirty Million five hundred thousand dollars) $30,500,000 in my possession.
 
This is the money my husband saved for his entire life as an industrialist and I have it stored in my house because putting money in a bank could be a very big risk in a country like ours.
 
I have secured this money in a box and have consulted an envoy here in Damascus who will help me in moving my box out of Syria for safe keeping and possible investment. This is why I am in keen need of a Reliable and Trust worthy person who will receive the box, secure and protect it till my arrival which should be as specified. I have to take this chance because, I have no other alternative but to trust someone. I am an orphan with no brother or sister so I cannot risk my life here to avoid an end to my family lineage.
 
All I have is my two children. They deserve a decent life since I want them to grow up in a peaceful environment. I will relocate to your country with my family and invest the money in accordance with law, your advice and assistance. We can work together and achieve a better future for our families. Please you will have to take note that the envoy is not aware that my box contains money and this is for security reasons.
 
All I ask is permit me register the consignment in your name as family treasure and you are expected to retrieve it once it's in Europe. There will be no risk in this deal; I have made the necessary arrangement for safe delivery of the consignment box to your preferred location. I will assume you are capable of handling a deal of this magnitude and also trust you to maintain absolute secrecy and confidentiality to protect this great achievement. In less than 4 days the box should be in your possession if you are swift on your part and I will join you immediately.
 
I have taken precautionary measures to secure the money. The box is coded with high security gadget and I am the only one who has the right combination to unlock the combination code. You will be entitled to 30% of the total sum of $30,500,000 while 70% will be mine. I will give you 30% of the money and 70% for me for your assistance and cooperation.
 
I anticipate your positive response and on receipt of your reply I will provide you with further details.
 
Best regards,
 
Mrs. Zahrah Mohd's.

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