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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Lynn Berrycloth" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <iseeett@outlook.com>
Date: Sun, 23 Jul 2023 13:17:55 -0700
Subject: Can I trust you?



I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. My name is Mrs. Lynn Berrycloth, and I write to you with the utmost respect and sincerity. Please allow me to apologize for any inconvenience caused by reaching out to you through this electronic medium. However, I find myself compelled to seek your assistance in fulfilling a charitable project, which holds great importance to me in light of my circumstances. I want to donate my inheritance ($20Million US Dollars) that my late husband left for me before he died in 2013 in a Spanish train crash that took him away from me.

It is with a heavy heart that I reveal my ongoing battle with cancer, a diagnosis I am battling with for six years. Despite the challenges and uncertainty that this illness has brought into my life, I have chosen to remain optimistic and resilient. As I face the inevitable, I am determined to make a positive impact and leave a lasting legacy of kindness and compassion.

In light of this, I have embarked upon a mission to establish a charity project that will cater to the needs of the less privileged. This endeavor is of utmost importance to me, as I strongly believe in the power of generosity and collective effort to uplift the lives of those in need. However, given the limitations of my health and circumstances, I find myself in need of a trustworthy and educated individual who can serve as a confidant and aid me in realizing this noble cause.

I understand that my request may appear unconventional and even risky, as we are not acquainted in person. Nonetheless, my current situation has left me with no other option but to seek assistance through this medium. I implore you to consider this proposition with an open mind and a compassionate heart. Your participation would mean more to me than words can express, and your selfless act towards the less privileged would bring immense joy and fulfillment to my final days.


If you choose to accept this responsibility, I assure you that every effort will be made to ensure your safety and security. Our collaboration would be conducted with the utmost transparency and adherence to ethical principles. I am more than willing to provide you with any necessary documentation or information that will help solidify your trust in this endeavor.

I want you to use 30% of the fund to build orphanage homes in your country while 20% goes to cancer research programs and then donate 25% to institutions housing elderly couples who cannot give birth and homeless children in their lifetime just like my late husband and I could not bear children. The remaining 25% goes to you as the person who agrees to carry out my last wish and I will give you more details only if you are willing and ready to handle this project. I humbly request your prompt response, expressing your willingness to assist me in fulfilling my last wish.


Thank you for your attention, and I eagerly await your favorable reply.

With profound gratitude and warm regards,

Mrs. Lynn Berrycloth

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