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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: TRANSFER OF EIGHTEEN MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS ONLY <smithmax@hotmail.co.za>
Date: Sat, 14 Aug 2010 13:13:56 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: PLEASE YOUR URGENT RESPOND IS HIGHLY NEEDED

 FROM: MR MAXWELL SMITH
Tel: +27-734 045 977
EMAIL: smithmax@gala.net
 
Dear Sir/Madam,
 
TRANSFER OF EIGHTEEN MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS ONLY
 
I write to introduce this urgent/important business opportunity to you irrespective of the fact that we have not seen or known each other before believing that it will be of immense benefit to both of us. Let me formally introduce myself. I am MR MAXWELL SMITH the Chief Auditor of the First National Bank Of South Africa (FNB), I got your contact through the South African Chamber of Commerce in my earnest search for a reliable individual who can assist me to make this transaction a reality but I did not disclose the nature of the business to them. With my believe in God that you will never let me down. There is an outstanding sum of US$18,000.000.00 (Eighteen Million United States Dollars Only) belonging to Mr. Andrea B. Smith a foreigner and a Miner in the Kruger Gold Company, a geologist by profession.
 
This fund was deposited since 1980 and since 1990 nobody has operated on this account. After going through some old files in the record, I discovered that the owner of this dormant account Mr. Andrea B. Smith does not exist anymore and that if I do not remit this fund out urgently, it would be forfeited for nothing. I am contacting you because of the need to involve a foreigner with account and foreign beneficiary; I need your full co-operation to make this work out fine because the management is ready to approve this payment to a foreigner, who has the correct information of this account, which I will provide to you. Should this interest you, kindly furnish me with your overseas account details including your private phone and fax numbers for easy communication. Meanwhile, I am prepared to transfer this sum of US$18 Million.
 
With my position now in the office, I can transfer the money to any foreigner’s reliable account, which you can provide with assurance that this money will be intact pending my physical arrival in your country for sharing. I will destroy all documents of transaction immediately we receive this money leaving no trace to any place. And will also use my position and influence to effect legal approvals and onward transfer of the money to your account with appropriate clearance from the Ministry and Foreign Exchange Departments. I have resolved to compensate you by briefing a brokerage commission of 25% (US$4,500,000.00) net per-transfer expenses you may incur, 5% (US$900.000.00) set aside for general expenses, and 70% (US$12,600,000.00) will be for me and I guarantee you that all expenses during the transfer are subject to refund. Most importantly, I must emphasize that this business requires the utmost confidentiality and trustworthiness. We need to make an agreement that will bind us together and the same will protect individual interest in the near future.
 
 I will apply for an annual leave to get visa for a trip to your country once I confirm your readiness for this operation. In recognition to your personal executive power and investment opportunities that is bond in your country; do know that I have it in mind to establish a genuine business relationship with you in the nearest future, if you will be able to help me. In order to expedite action, let me receive your approval or reply through the above Email address. Please accept my compliments, as I wait for your kind response through the above numbers or EMAIL: smithmax@gala.net.
 
Best Regards,
 
 
MR MAXWELL SMITH
Tel: +27-734 045 977
  

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