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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: rebeca attoumbe <rebecaattoumbe@prokonto.pl>
Date: Fri, 5 Dec 2014 20:00:19 +0900 (JST)
Subject: From Name, Mrs Rebeca Attoumbe


Name, Mrs Rebeca Attoumbe

This is a personal email directed to you for your consideration alone, I request that it remain and be treated only you and me. I am a banker with Eco Bank here in my country Cote d'ivoire.

I have an interesting business proposal for you that will be of immense benefit between both of us. Although this may be hard to you to believe, But we stand to gain 4.2 million Euro between us in a matter of weeks or in a month time.

Please grant me the benefit of doubt and help me out.This  account was opened in our bank in 2005 and since 2011, no operation is performed. This account has to date in our books, a credit of Four Million Two Hundred Thousand Euro in the account. After consulting all records relating to this account, I realized that I could easily have the money if I could transfer the whole account outside, so I am looking for an honest partner.
 
The owner of this account is  Mr Mike Patrick, an expatriate Petrol-Technical Support Services Inc., who died following a traffic accident. No one knows to this date that this account is in exitance. This account has no other close relative.

I want you to help me transfer this money into your account for investment in your field. After the transfer I will offer you 40% for your help. Be sure this is a real opportunity that I offer.

I will need you to promise to keep whatever you learn from me between us even if you decided not to go ahead with me. I will make more details available to you on receipt of  a positive relpy from you,
 
Yours Kindest,
 
Mrs. Rebeca Attoumbe

Anti-fraud resources: