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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. Marian Smuts" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <scottniels45@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 23 Nov 2022 08:39:51 -0800
Subject: Hello Beloved

Hello Beloved
 
 
 
I am a dying woman. I am 61 years old and I was diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer for about two years, immediately after the death of my husband.  My name is Mrs. Marian Smuts, an American citizen, a widow and a devoted Christian. I found your contact during my research for a business opportunity. I am looking forward to partnering with you which I think will be beneficial to both of us.
 
 
 
I have been touched by God to donate what I have inherited from my late husband to you, to set up a foundation in my late husband's name, help the motherless and less privilege, rather than allow my relatives to use my husband hard earned funds ungodly, since we had no kids to inherit the fund,
 
 
 
As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you more details and the contact of the Bank where the fund was deposited, and Instruct my attorney to prepare the inheritance papers regarding the fund.
 
 
 
Hoping to hear from you soon
 
 
 
Yours in Christ,
 
 
 
Mrs. Marian Smuts

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