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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: "Staff Sergeant Price William Edward." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <staffmembers999@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 13 Jan 2017 12:43:32 +0100
Subject: FROM STAFF SERGEANT PRICE WILLIAM SEASON GREETING 13/01/2017 195.210.47.107

Dear: Sir, I am sorry to encroach into your privacy in this manner, I found you listed in the Trade Center Chambers of Commerce directory here in Iraq, I find it pleasurable to offer you my partnership in business because i dont want my family to know about the business, I only pray at this time that your address is still valid. I want to solicit your attention to receive the two boxes on my behalf. I am Staff Sergeant Price William Edward, an U. S. AIR FORCE, (USAF) presently serving in the Military keeping force in Baghdad, Iraq. I am on the move 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 boxes. I believe you can be trusted and handle it? Kindly view this news blog below for some info http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7444083.stm I will explain further when receive your response, Nevertheless, if you are interested reconfirm the following to me as follows. (a) Your full Names (b) Your physical mailing address (c) Your direct telephone numbers (d) Your occupation God bless you and thanks for cooperation in advance. Best Regards, Staff Sergeant Price William Edward U. S. AIR FORCE, (USAF)

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