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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: "FORD FOUNDATION HOME" (may be fake)
Date: Fri, 2 Apr 2004 19:52:32 +0100
Subject: lJapan Tsunami AID and Appeal

Dear Sir/ Madam,
We apologies for sending you these strange mail which you are about to read, its due to the urgency and sudden need of assistance for a once happy community.

We are a team working under a charity umberlla now stationed in Japan since last Sunday "13th of March 2011"after the deserter, with the purpose of helping. And also creating a form of relief for those innocent Japanese currently displaced of Their life time achievements,dreams,goals and means of daily survival.
The Earthquake and Tsunami which left them with tremor and washed away HOPES.
Please, join us in your little way by giving them a reason to life, a dream of recovering all lost and comfort to the family of the loved once washed away.
Contact us if you are willing to donate at least 100USD (cash,cheque,transfer is accepted) or more Or join our physical team on ground that left their families behind to support the affected people.
Freely contact us via mail or phone within or outside working hours.
Remain Blessed
Yours in Faith
Mr Fredrick
President FORD FOUNDATION HOME

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