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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: "Williams" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <cosby5826@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 6 Mar 2017 12:00:44 +0100
Subject: LETS WORK TOGETHER... 208.90.114.242

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 and I find it pleasurable to offer you my partnership in business. I only pray at this time that your address is still valid.

I want to solicit your attention to receive money on my behalf. I am Capt William Cosby an officer in the USA Army and also a West Point Graduate presently serving in the Military with the 82nd Air Borne Division Peace keeping force in Kabul-Afghanistan. I really need your help in assisting me with the safe keeping of Two Military Trunk Boxes. I hope you can be trusted? Kindly view for your records: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7444083.stm.

If you can be trusted, I will explain further when i get a response from you for further clarification. Nevertheless, reconfirm the following to me and Please ensure to reply via my private e-mail: cosby5826@yahoo.com

1.Name: 2.Address: 3.Telephone: 4.Copy of drivers license:

Thanks for your cooperation, God bless you and America !!

Best Regards.
Capt William Cosby
US ARMY {CODE 9499}

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