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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: Melinda Sandton <sbpvt1234@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: mspvt2020@outlook.com
Date: Sun, 23 Feb 2020 23:01:32 +0000 (UTC)
Subject: Dearest Friend

Dearest Friend,
My name is Mrs. Melinda Sandton, I am married to (Mr. Jack Sandton) from South Africa who has an appointment in Tokyo, Japan as the chief Managing director to (Abbes Suzuki Association Tokyo-Japan) under Engineering project/contract awarding section. My husband died as a result of brief illness called heart attack, while he was coming back from (ASA) new location area on project inspection on Saturday 8th Aug 2009 Before his death as a result of our joint account venture we have $3.5 million (US) dollars in our fixed deposit account.

Dear one I was brought up as an orphan and was married to my late husband for 20 years without a child and am of age, I am 68 years now and am suffering from kidney infection and a long time cancer of the lungs, which has partially affected my brain, and from all indication my condition is really deteriorating. According to my doctors, my health is very poor because of the cancer ailment, I cannot stay to live up three months ahead, and I am having serious problem with my husband's family members. I am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going. I know that I am going to be in the bosom of the Lord. Exodus 14 VS 14 says that the lord will fight my course and I shall hold my peace.
Therefore I need a God fearing person who will assure me that he/she will use this fund to help the Motherless babies, Orphanage, Charity organization and less privileged once, and using for work of God. I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money. As soon as I receive your reply and consider it right, I shall give you the contact of my attorney who will assist you towards the claim. I want you to always pray for me because I don't have many days to live.

Thanks
Yours Mrs. Melinda Sandton

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