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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: samgagee@yahoo.co.uk (may be fake)
Date: Sat, 30 Apr 2005 14:36:17 +0100
Subject: contact me soonest

ATTN; CEO/PRESIDENT,
FROM DR, SAMSON MUGAGEE,
FOREIGN OPPRATION MANEGER,
COMERCIAL BANK OF GHANA, WEST AFRICA.
( samgagee@yahoo.co.uk <mailto:samgagee@yahoo.co.uk> )
SIR,
Your contact has been gotten after a search for a
person whom we can jointly invest Trust in and also
solicit a Honourable partnership with.
I represent a group who has interest to do
business/investments in your country on a very viable
and safe venture.
To initiate a proper and structured relationship,
Please let me know what your response will be to an
offer to receive investment funds in cash;
1. The said fund amounts to Twenty Million, Five hundred
Thousand Dollars (US).
2. The said fund is in cash and will be
delivered/transfered to you in same state.
3.The fund is intended to be invested through your
agency in the purchase of facilities and assets, for the said
purposes within your country.
4. This transaction will result in you being paid as compensation,a
commission of 20% of the total investment capital.
5.The fund owners desire absolute confidentiality and
professionalism in the handling of this matter.
Please respond urgently to;samgagee@yahoo.co.uk <mailto:samgagee@yahoo.co.uk> along with
your contact details;address,telephone and fax numbers. Thank you while I await your urgent response.
Truly yours,
samgagee@yahoo.co.uk <mailto:samgagee@yahoo.co.uk>


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