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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. Shelena Mcconnell" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <shelena.mcconnell@yandex.com>
Date: Tue, 12 Nov 2019 04:57:45 -0800
Subject: Dear friend, Please Read

Dear friend,

I got your information when i was searching for an oversea partner among other names, I ask for your pardon if my approach is offensive as i never meant to invade your privacy through this means, and also i believe this is the best and secured means i can pass my message across to you in clear terms.

First let me introduce myself, I am Mrs. shelena Mcconnell, 65 years old, deaf and a widow with no child. I was married to late Engr Materson Mcconnell ,who worked with Shell Development Company in London for Twenty-Six years before he died in the year 2007 after a brief illness that lasted only five days. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of US$30 Millions in a firm here. Following my ill health(Cancer of the Lungs), my Doctor told me that I may not live longer than required due to my health condition. I am looking forward to seeing someone who can use this money in charitable works. More details will be made known to you upon your response.

God Bless You.
Mrs. Shelena Mcconnell

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