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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: "Michael Douf" <michael_douf@yahoo.co.uk> (may be fake)
Reply-To: micheal2@tsamail.co.za
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 14:08:51 +0100
Subject: From Michael Douf Hapy Velontaine

Attn: diractor,

I would like to apply through this letter for your express co-operation and to secure in your position an opportunity to invest and do joint business with you in your country. Also I would like to decribed to you my client advance future plans and kind interest to invest the sum of US$19,600,00(nineteen Million Six Hundred Thousand United States dollars)in any profitable business depending on your advise.

Your able co-operation is to become foreign busines partner of my client in your country and creat ideas on how these money will be invested and the type of investment after the money is transferred to your custody with your assistance. As my client has not had the pleasure of demonstrating the advantages of this investment.

Meanwhile, in your response I would like you to indicate your willingness to handle this transaction sincerely and upon your acceptance of this proposal, I would appreciate us to discuss the details and mutually agree on your percentage interest or share holding for helping me to secure the release of the deposit and investing the money.

I shall be glad to reserve this respect and opportunity for you, if you so desire, but do urge you to give the matter your immediate attention it deserves.
Looking forward to your urgent and positive response.
Yours Faithfully,
michael douf
N/B. my contact email is micheal2@tsamail.co.za


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