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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: "MRS. SYLVIA DONOVAN" <online2360225@telkomsa.net>
Reply-To: "MRS. SYLVIA DONOVAN" <mrssylviadonovan@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2018 23:12:39 +0200 (SAST)
Subject: GREETINGS

From : Mrs. Sylvia Donovan
Email: mrssylviadonovan@gmail.com
Greetings.

My name is Mrs. Sylvia Donovan I am 75 years old woman and was diagnosed for cancer about four years ago, immediately after the death of my husband. Due to my health challenge my doctor told me my days are numbered I have decided to donate what I have to the Charities. I have been touched to donate from what

I have inherited from my late husband for the good work rather than allow his relatives to lavish my husband's hard earned fund. As I lay on my sick bed, I want you to help me in carrying out my last wish on earth which will also be very profitable to you.

I want to WILL a total sum of $30 million USD to you which I want you to distribute part of it to any charity home for me and the rest for yourself and your family. I will inform you on how to share all.For further information contact me Email : mrssylviadonovan@gmail.com

Regards,
Mrs. Sylvia Donovan.

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