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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: dora christophe <dora_christophe@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Tue, 1 Mar 2005 19:38:26 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: GOOD EVENING.


Hello,

Thanks for your mail and concern over my predicament.
I am an Ivorian citizen but Presently staying in a remote village called Ameka in Kumasi Ghana for safety pending when this transaction would materialize.

Before, the incident, I was in my second year in the University studying Economics. If you go through my first letter very well, you will understand my condition.

I want to assure you that this transaction is 100% risk free, also it is as good as completed.
To start with, you should send me your name (name of beneficiary) clearly as it should appear in the authorization letter I will send to the security company and send to me so that I can prepare an authorization letter and forward to the security company to effect the change of beneficiary to enable you represent me.

Once we establish cordial relationship and know each other very well, we will actualize this transaction to our mutual benefits.

Do reply with the name of beneficiary and your private telephone and fax number where the security company can contact you directly.

Once I receive your reply to this mail, I will send you my photo so that you will see the real me. Aslo I will expect you to send me your photo as well for us to get acquaitned.

Awaiting your urgent response.

Regards and God bless you.

Dora

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