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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: "Engr Timothy Williams" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mrtimothywilliams2@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Tue, 30 May 2017 07:39:44 -0700
Subject: PLEASE CALL ME

Sir/Madam,

It is my great pleasure to write to you and present my letter for your consideration and possible acceptance which you will find mutually beneficial to both parties.

I am Engr. Timothy Williams, the Chairman of the Contract Award Committee,in a country here in Africa We need a trust-worthy partner to assist us in the transfer of (US$11,5M) ELEVEN MILLION, FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS.for further investment in your country,

You will be required to:
(1) Assist us in the transfer of this sum to your bank account in your Country.

(2) Advise on areas for potential future investment in your country

(3) Assist us in carrying out the feasibility study before actual investment. If you decide to render your service to us in this regard,you will be paid 20% of the total funds for assistance.Reply back this email if you are willing to work with us.

Respectfully,
Engr. Timothy Williams.
Chairman Contract Award Committee

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