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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: missmonica smith <missmonicasmith49@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 20 Sep 2022 01:57:19 -0700
Subject: Can I Completely Trust You?.

Dear Sir/Ma,

I am the only Daughter of my late parents Mr and Mrs Nelson smith. My
father was a highly reputable business magnet who operated in the
capital of Ivory coast during his days. It is sad to say that he
passed away mysteriously in France during one of his business trips
abroad on the 12th September 2003.Though his sudden death was linked
or rather suspected to have been masterminded by an uncle of mine who
traveled with him that same day. But God knows the truth! My mother
died when I was just 6yrs old, and since then my father took me so
special. Before his death on September 2003, he called me and informed
me that he has the sum of Five Million, Seven Hundred thousand United
State Dollars USD$5,700,000.00 left in fixed deposit account in one
of the leading banks in Africa.

He further told me that he deposited the money in my name, and also gave
me all the necessary and legal documents to this fund with the bank.

I am just 21 years old and a university undergraduate and really don't know
what to do. Now I want an account overseas where I can transfer this funds
and after the transaction I will come and reside permanently in your
country till
such a time that it will be Benin Republic for me to return back home
if I so desire. This is because I have suffered a lot of set backs as a
result of incessant political crisis here in Ivory coast. The death of
my father actually brought sorrow to my life. I also want to invest
the fund under your care because I am ignorant of business world.

I am in a sincere desire of your humble assistance in this regards.

Your suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded. Now permit me to
ask these few questions:

1. Can you honestly help me from your heart?
2. Can I completely trust you?
3. What percentage of the total amount in question
will be good for you after the money is in your account?

Please, consider this and get back to me as soon as
possible. Immediately I confirm your willingness, I will
update you on how we will finalize this process soonest.

Kind Regards,
Miss Monica smith

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