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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: "William Wilcox" <wwilcox@mail.com>
Reply-To: wwilcox60@mail2uk.com
Date: Sun, 13 Mar 2011 07:33:51 -0500 (COT)
Subject:

Dear Friend,

I am William Wilcox now undergoing medical treatment in doctor’s
hospital Bahamas; I worked with British Drilling Corporation East
London for over a decade I married for fifteen years without a child.
My wife died after a brief illness that lasted for two weeks, I
vowed to use my wealth for the down trodden and the less privileged
in the society. Since the doctor had confirmed my situation that I
will not live long I have decided to give out my money to the Poor.
Deposited the sum of 120 Million (One Hundred and Twenty Million
Great British Pounds Sterling) with my Bank, Presently this money is
still there. Recently, my Doctor told me that I would not last for
the next 15 days due to cancer problem. Though what disturbs me most
is my stroke, having known my condition I decided to donate this fund
to an individual or better still a God fearing person who will
utilize this money the way I am going to instruct here in.I want an
individual that will use this to fund and provide succor to the poor
and indigent persons, orphanages, and above all those affected in the
Tsunami in far Asia and the Hurricane Katrina Disasters. I understand
that blessed is the hand that giveth, I took this decision because I
do not have any child that will inherit this money and my relatives
are not inclined to helping poor persons and I do not want my hard
earned money to be misused or spent in the manner I will not like,
and I also do not want a situation where this money will be used in
an ungodly manner. Hence the reason for taking this bold decision, I
am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going. I know that I
am going to be in the bosom of the Almighty. I do not need any
telephone communication in this regard because of my health, and
because of the presence of my relatives around me always, I do not
want them to know about this development.With God all things are
possible; as soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the
contact of the Bank. I will also issue them a letter of authority and
change of ownership certificate, that will empower you as the
original beneficiary of this fund, through my Lawyer. I want you to
always pray for me. My happiness is that I lived a life worthy of
emulation. Whosoever that wants to serve the Almighty must serve him
with all his heart and mind and soul and also in truth. Please always
be prayerful all through your life. Any delay in your reply will give
me room in sourcing for an individual for this same purpose. Please
assure me that you will act according to my specification herein.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you and May the almighty bless you.

Regards,
William Wilcox.



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