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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: maryfrank311@mynet.com
Date: Thu, 2 Nov 2017 19:51:57 +0300
Subject: I NEED YOUR URGENT HELP


I need your help,with all due respect and honesty and please take me as your sister or as your daughter i'm mary frank. Unfortunately. I am now an orphan, the only child and daughter of late koma Frank from Côte d'Ivoire Abidjan. And I'm writing with you great grief in my heart and heavy tears in my eyes simply because my late father is related here has tried several times to kill me so that the can inherit my late fatherhood as I'm my only child's parents . As a result of this development, I went to the bank here where my late father deposited his money and explained my situation to the bank manager as he promised to help me with this transfer as soon as I can find someone who can help me secure it after received it on his or her bank account because I will also move to the country of the person to continue my education and also start a new life as I do not have any other family member this place cares about me.The total amount in question is USD (only $ 3.8 million) he held with a
financial company in my name and I have verified this with the Financial Company before contacting you. and I will provide you with other information when you indicate your will.Finally, I'm willing to offer you 20% of the total money as compensation for your efforts to help me with this humble request, as I think this transaction would end within a few days you indicate your interest in helping me.Sincerely,Miss .mary frank


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