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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Fraud email example:

From: bodioea@webmail.co.za
Date: Mon, 18 Jul 2005 09:45:05 +0200
Subject: BUSINESS PROPOSAL

STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
Tel:+27,724369291
URGENT BUSINESS PROPOSAL
Good day,
I know you will be surprised to receive this letter. First I must
introduce myself. I am Mr Bodioe Jonas of the Republic of Liberia (West African
Republic) and the Chief Security Adviser to Charles Taylor, former
president of the Republic of Liberia, who was forced to resign on August 11,2003
bythe United states Of America and other African States for the sake of
peace..after fourteen years of ravaging civil war in Liberia. Charles
Taylor is currently on exile.

I got your address through the South African Information Exchange
(S.A.I.E.).For fourteen years today there has always been growing
opposition and rebellion against charles Taylor. Earlier last year the advancement
ofthe rebels toward the capital Monrovia has been unstoppable because of
the support the rebels receive from countries which are against Taylor and
his policies.

Due to this war on the 23rd Febuaury,2003, I was mandated by the
presidentto proceed to South Africa, to purchase ammunition from the Arms
Manufacturing Company In South Africa (ARMSCO) to fight the rebels.
Thismandate and instruction was backed up with US$52. Million (Fifty Two
Million United States Dollars) in cash, and was delivered by diplomatic
immunity into South Africa.

I have already purchased the first batch of ammunition at the sum of
US$30Million (Thirty Million United States Dollars), which was delivered in
June, and was negotiating for the purchase of the second batch when the
president was forced to go on exile.I saw this as a golden opportunity to divert
this money.

I have already deposited this balance of US$22 Million (Twenty two
Million United States Dollars) with a security Company, without declaring the
actual content of the consignment. I am presently residing here as a
refugee. The financial laws of South Africa do not allow a refugee to operate an
account. In view of this, coupled with the way the money was acquired,
I have decided not to invest this fund in South Africa, and solicit for
the assistance of a reliable and trustworthy international businessman who
can assist me to transfer this fund overseas for investment.

For your efforts, I am prepared to offer you 25% of the total sum while
if you will assist me transfer this money into your overseas account. I
have also set aside 5% of the total money for expenses that might be
incurred during the process of this transfer, and 70% will be for my investment
in a profitable venture in your country or anywhere else you may advice.

>From the above, you will understand that my entire life and future
depends on this amount, as such I shall be very grateful if you can assist me.
Please note that this transaction is risk-free. The major thing I
demand from you is absolute assurance that the money will be safe when
transferred into your account. If you can be of assistance, kindly contact me
using the above phone number or my email address. Also send your private fax and
phone numbers for easier communication and confidentiality of this
transaction.

Yours Sincerely,

Bodioe Jonas

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