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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: "John Cole" (may be fake)
Date: Thu, 22 Jun 2017 18:56:54 -0700
Subject: GOOD DAY

Attention
 
Be assured that this brief proposal is genuine and confidential.
 
As a US Soldier and Central Commander Appointee (Command Information Supervisor) in Iraq before I moved to Afghanistan, we discovered a lot of money in 2012, which I moved some part of it through security means as consignment and deposited it into a security house in London for (2) two years, where I registered it as personal effect. The total fund, the sum of US$20,500,000.00 is safe and now, I want you to help me receive it.
 
I will send all the necessary documents to you, and full instructions for it arrival in your place without any problem. Please, study this private link for further understanding and clarifications: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2988455.stm
 
I am offering 35% and you will also help me invest 65% of my share into any lucrative business in your country under your country, where your government will not take much tax from it. I guarantee you that this venture is risk free. If you are interest, please, get back to me for further details, and if not, please delete this letter and do not inform anyone about it.
 
Regards,
 
Command John M. Cole

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