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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: Margaret Duval <margaretduval1@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:10:56 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU READ.


GOD BLESS YOU AS YOU READ.
 
I am Mrs. Margaret Dovas from America a widow to late Mr. Richard Dovas, I am 54 years old, and I am a new Christian convert, suffering from long time cancer of the breast. I married my husband for nine years before his sudden death and since our marriage we could not bear any child of our own. He died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days.
 
Before his death we were both born again Christian. Since his death I decided not to remarry or get a child outside my matrimonial home which the Bible is against. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of $6. 5 Million (Six Million and Five Hundred thousand U.S. Dollars) in the bank here in Abidjan in a suspense account for onward transfer.
 
Presently, this money is still in the bank here in Abidjan . Recently, my Doctor told me that I have seriously sickness which is cancer problem. The one that disturbs me most is my stroke sickness. Having known my condition I decided to donate this money to a person who has the fear of God to use this money for charitable organization, orphanages, widows, propagating the word of God and to endeavour that the house of God is maintained.

The Bible made us to understand that blessed is the hand that giveth. I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband relatives are not Christians and I don't want my husband's efforts to be used by unbelievers. I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an ungodly way. This is why I am taking this 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 Lord.
 
Exodus 14 VS 14 says that the Lord will fight my case and I shall hold my peace. I world have like to have telephone communication in this regard but I did not allow because of my health there is no strength to talk on the phone.
 
Immediately I hear from you I will send you the bank contact in Abidjan for you to contact them for more details on how they will transfer my money to your bank account for charitable organzition in your country or any part of the world. I want you and the church to always pray for me because the Lord is my shepherd. My happiness is that I lived a life of a worthy Christian. Whoever that wants to serve the Lord must serve him in spirit and Truth. Please always be prayerful all through your life.
 
Any delay in your reply will give me room in sourcing another church or individual for this same purpose. Please assure me that you will act accordingly as I Stated herein. Hoping to receive your reply.
Send me the following information’s as per below.
 
Your full names.....
Address....
Age......
Occupation.....
Photo............
 
Remain blessed in the Lord.
Yours in Christ Mrs. Margaret Dovas

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