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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: serious_partner@terra.com.mx
Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2005 10:15:12 +0000
Subject: FROM MRS. HARRIS.

Dearest One,

I am Mrs. Florence Harris from Republic of SIERRA LEONE. I am a widow being
that I lost my husband a couple of year ago.My husband was a serving director
of the Cocoa exporting board until his death.

He was assassinated by the rebels following the political uprising. Before
his death he had a foreign account here in Côte d'Ivoire up to the tune
of $15.5Millon (Fifteen million Five Hundred Thaousand United State dollars)
which he told the bank was for the importation of cocoa processing machine.

I want you to do me a favour to receive this funds to a safe account in
your country or any safer place as the beneficiary. I have plans to do
investment in your country, like real estate and industrial production.
This is my reason for writing to you. Please if you are willing to assist
me and my only son.

Indicate your interest by replying soonest and all the original proving
documents are higly intact with me for your confirmation and verification
before proceeding.

Thank's and best regards.

Mrs. Florence Harris.
PRIVATE EMAIL florence_harris@voila.fr

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