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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: "Mr. Joseph Taylor" <jose_taylor1@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2005 17:14:55 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Investment



Dear Sir,

I am sorry that this letter may come to you as a surprise.

My name is Mr. Joseph Taylor, son of Mr. Charles Taylor, the ex-president of Liberia.

I have some money I would like to invest into your company, or where you do not want any investment into your company, to assist me make a credible investment in your country.

I will appreciate it if you could please study this proposal and get back to me urgently. I already have the money moved to Europe, and therefore, movement would not constitute any problem.

I look forward to your reply.

Best regards,

Joseph Taylor.



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