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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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Fraud email example:

From: "MRS. VICTORIA IGOR" <vigorous1@walla.com> (may be fake)
Date: Sun, 19 Sep 2004 00:08:06 +0100
Subject: YOUR ASSISTANCE IS HIGHLY NEEDED

FROM: MRS. VICTORIA IGOR

email:vigor@fastermail.com
vigorous1@walla.com

Dear


RE: YOUR ASSISTANCE IS HIGHLY NEEDED

I am very sure that this mail will bring lots of surprises and curiosity to you since there was no previous correspondence before now between us.

I am a widow of one of the top rulers in Chechnya, My husband died along side with the Chenchan president who was killed in a bomb attack early this year in a parade ground.

My husband told me before his death that he has a deposit of $23m which he deposited overseas and handed to me all the documents which my lawyer has confirmed with the bank.

Right now I am looking for an Investor who will help me to invest the total sum in the west and after which I will relocate to your country.

The security situation in Chechnya does not warrant me to do much from here; therefore I have designated my family lawyers who will co ordinate every aspect of the fund transfer and the investment with your assistance.

I am ready to concede up to 25% of the funds to you as your share if you will help me to pull the funds and invest it in your country which has a stable economy.

Upon receipt of your acceptance letter to my private mail box quoted above, I will introduce you to my family lawyer for details on how the transfer can be done in the shortest possible time.

Awaiting your Urgent response via any of the email addresses stated above.

Regards

MRS. VICTORIA IGOR



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