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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: "Officer V. I Charles." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <turkudide2.0@outlook.com>
Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2017 00:08:16 +0100
Subject: Your Reply is Needed Urgently!!

Dear Sir/Madam,
 
Please, permit me to go straight to the point without citing the preambles. I was deployed to the prison facility here in Freetown six years ago where I volunteered to also 'nursemaid' a 81 year old Asian inmate. It's on record that the inmate was never visited by anyone while in detention for sixteen years till he died of cancer last week. While he was serving a long sentence for ivory trade, I helped him day and night relentless, taking him around the yard on wheelchair and we were tagged 'father and son' because of our close relationship.
 
Following his advice till his dying wishes, I discovered evidence of his escrow Fund deposit in his home bank, but I cannot exploit the codes since I lack the potential of achieving certain conditions from here. If I am correct with the figures I see, I will still be $7 Million richer if I decide to forfeit 50% of the funds he left behind. As a prison warden in Sierra Leone, I am bound by the public service rules to participate in any foreign Financial dealings and would require a foreign collaborator to guide me properly.
 
For safety reasons, I lack the courage to unveil other information until your total acceptance to this acquisition is ascertained. Moreso, I promise that you will be well remunerated and your safety during the period of this venture and in the future is guaranteed. I will appreciate your feedback If you are interested to know your role in this pursuit and the modality involved. Please, keep this foremost thoughts confidential in case you find my ambition repulsive to accept.
 
Thanks in anticipation, I look forward to rearing from you at your earliest convenience.
 
Best Regards,
Officer V. I Charles, (1st PA).

Anti-fraud resources: