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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: "tony brown" <tonybrownjp@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: helenboateng52@o2.pl
Date: Thu, 01 Sep 2005 12:01:41 -0700
Subject: GET BACK TO ME

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am an investor from Sierra Leone currently in the Republic of Togo because
of my late husband's political rivals back home. I wish to invest in a
country with political stability, reliable, dependable infrastructure and
security of life and property.

I got your contact address during my search for a person/company that can
assist me for an investment. It may interest you to know that I am ready and
willing to invest the sum of $9.5 Million US Dollars into any good and
profitable business that you may suggest. My late husband willed this amount
to my children and I.

I am willing to invest in a company with potentials for growth and stability
including your Company if your byelaws allows for foreign investors. I will
be very happy if this enquiry receives urgent attention. You should mail
your acceptance by sending to me your personal or company profile as I will
also send to you all required information about myself and the help that I
need from you about my investment plans. You can contact me on this email
address: helenboateng52@pl


Hoping for a very successful business relationship with you.

Best Regards,

MRS.HELEN BOATENG



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