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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: "Mrs. Harry Gold" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <harrygold205@yahoo.fr>
Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2014 18:34:26 -0400
Subject: GOOD NEWS

Hello,
 
It is my pleasure to share this message with you. Do take this mission as a contribution to fate, i know that this mail may be a very big surprise to you.I am Mrs. Harry Gold, From England, I'm currently in a hospital here in London where I’m undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer. From all indications my condition is really deteriorating and it's quite obvious that I wouldn't live more than 4 months according to my doctors. This is because the cancer stage has gotten to a very critical stage.
 
I need a trust worthy person who can help me accomplish my wish and goal on earth in humanitarian charity service with these funds (2.4Million Pounds) that was left for me by my late husband in fixed deposit account. The management of the bank just wrote me that the account is DORMANT, and if I, the beneficiary of the funds, do not re-activate the account the funds will be CONFISCATED. I don’t have a child for my late husband who will inherit this fund when I die. I need you to collect this fund from the Bank and distribute it yourself to any Charity Orphanages Homes of your choice. So when I die my soul can rest in peace. I pray God gives you the wisdom to touch so many lives that is my main concern. 30% of this money will be for your time and effort, while 70% goes to Charity Orphanages Homes.
Email Address: harrygold205@yahoo.fr
 
Please Contact me if you can be trusted and sincere, I will attached to you my photo picture where i was lying in the hospital bed.
 
Remain Blessed.
 
Your Sister,
 
Mrs. Harry Gold

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