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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: Gov Office <officegov18@yahoo.com.ph>
Reply-To: info@diamondbankbenin.tk
Date: Sat, 15 Oct 2011 23:09:22 +0800 (SGT)
Subject: Attn. Please





Attn. Please
 
I am Mrs Lynwood J Bill Western Union general manager of all West Africa countries;
 
Sequel to the delays and encumbrances relating to the release of your total funds USD$1.5 Million from Western Union, we wish to notify you that your payment has been approved and forwarded to Diamond Bank International Plc for further processing fund release through direct wire to your designated Bank account.  Please find the details of the paying bank and contact them for the prompt completion of your transaction.
 
Diamond Bank International Plc (DBB)
Registered:  308, rue du Révérend Père Colineau
Boîtepostale :  01 BP 955 RP Cotonou
Tel:  (229) 21 77 65 448.
Fax:  (229) 98.76.65000
Télex:  5022 DIAMBB CTNOU
Contact E-mail:   info@diamondbankbenin.tk
Contact person:   Mr. Ebeelee.A.Shargani
 
Confirm once you have contacted the paying bank.
 
Yours Truly,
Mrs Lynwood J Bill
Western Union general manager.

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