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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: Mariam Rajaby <mmmhis1986@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: mariamrajaby@hotmail.com
Date: Wed, 9 Jun 2010 08:31:36 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: My Beloved .



My Beloved .
 
Please permit me to inform you of my desire with you and your community.
I AM GREETING WITH THE NAME OF THE LORD.

I am Mrs Mariam Rajaby, born 20 August 1935, hailed from Cote d’Ivoire . I am suffering from Throat Cancer and I am suffering very bitterly as I write you this message with help of a nurse in the hospital.
 
My doctor just informed me that my days are counted considering my health status. My matrimonial situations that I lost my husband who is an Indian citizen but works with UN here and Two kids in Motor accident on 25 December 2008, so I have neither a husband nor children now whom I can WILL my heritage. This is why I want a gracious way to help the less-privileged, widows, poor and the needy.
 
 I wished to give you this very heritage amounting the sum of (Five Millions Five hundred Thousand) United States Dollars for the Charity. I count on your sincere willingness to employ this fund in a Godly manner.
 
I am waiting for your reply urgently,
Accept my cordial salutations.
Mrs Mariam Rajaby,



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