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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: "Ronald Water" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <jmmorre2@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 9 May 2017 14:32:07 -0700
Subject: Waiting your reply

Hello Beloved,
 
I apologize for intruding your solitude with this spontaneous email. The importance of this message prompted me to email you. I am contacting you regarding an Inheritance Transfer of a client who share the same last with you.
 
My client died of Cardiac arrest, upon news of a ghastly car crash that led to the death of his wife and 3 children. Before passing away, he deposited the sum of $28.5million with his bank.
 
However, the bank demand I present his heir. I am soliciting your cooperation to present you as the extended relative and heir to the deceased, to enable the bank transfer this fund to you. Upon successful release of the above valued amount, we shall split the fund, thus, $40% for you, while 60% belongs to me.
 
Be that as it may, I want to assure you that all applicable paper-work will be secured legally. You don't have to panic as this is completely risk free. Please, you must keep this transaction totally confidential.
 
Write me at {elliyonass@gmail.com} if you are interested to cooperate with me on this proceedings.
 
Sincerely,
 
Ronald Waters
Principal Attorney.

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