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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: "Mr. Seaman" <misea2020b@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 19 Jun 2019 07:53:19 -0700
Subject: About my client's funds.

Greetings.

I am writing about this fund deposited in the bank by my client who died a couple of years ago.

I am forced to contact you now because there is urgent need to apply and claim this fund without delay. I want you to partner with me to successfully inherit the said fund, particularly since you and our late client had something in common. I guarantee you that entire process would be legitimate and risk free.

Please note that I decided to take this step because if I do not, the money will eventually be claimed by the bank as abandoned funds and I know my late client would be disappointed in me if I should allow that to happen. It is therefore best that I use part of my own half of the money to establish a foundation in his name.

In your acceptance of this deal, I request that you kindly forward to me your full names, your contact address, telephone and fax numbers.

I look forward to working with you successful on this transaction.

With friendly greetings,
Michael Seaman.

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