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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: "Mark" <mark2_phil@tiscali.co.uk>
Reply-To: mark2_phil@yahoo.com
Date: Wed, 4 May 2005 07:58:31 -0700
Subject: HELLO

Dear Acquaintance,
Permit me to introduce myself, I am Mark Phil, accounts manager in one of
the leading banks in the United Kingdom.During an "ACCOUNT REVIEW OPERATION"
i discovered that an account belonging to one Mrs. Fiona Watt, now DECEASED
have remained dormant for the past two years. After intensive investigations,
i found out that Late Mrs. Watt died in a ghastly auto accident in June,
2002.
At this point i am contacting you concerning a mutually rewarding business
acquaintance that necessitates you to act as the new beneficiary cum next
of kin to the said dormant account. I hope to give you more technical details
on how i believe we should transfer the funds into your nominated offshore/residence
account. Please i need you to furnish me with your personal details such
as Full names, home/office address, phone and fax numbers.You can email back
should you be interested.
PLEASE, YOU MAY ALSO IGNORE THIS LETTER AND RESPECT MY TRUST IN YOU BY NOT
EXPOSING THIS TRANSACTION, SHOULD YOU NOT BE INTERESTED.
Sincerely
Mark Phil

___________________________________________________________

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