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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: "ava tesim" <sales@avatexwoolgroupcompany.com>
Reply-To: empressmixy@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 01 Sep 2005 13:16:15 +0000
Subject: {Spam?}

Dear friend,

I represent Altona Petrochemical Company Ltd (APC)
based in Australia. My company markets and exports Propylene,
Ethylene and other products for world trade.
We are searching for representatives who can help us
establish a medium of getting to our customers in
Europe and America as well as making payments through
you as our payment officer. It is upon this note that
we seek your assistance to stand as our representative
in your country. Note that, as our representative, you
will receive 10% of whatever amount you clear for the
company and the balance will be paid into an account
we will avail to you. Please, to facilitate the
conclusion of this transaction if accepted, do send me
promptly by email the following:
Title please select Ms Mr Mrs Dr
First Name:
Surname:
Age please select 20-35 36-45 46-55 55+
Relevant Experience:
Company Background:
Postal Address:
Residential Address:
Phone:
Fax:
Email:
Website:

Thank you for your time.
Very Respectfully,
Mr. Ron Van Santen
MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO
Altona Petrochemical Company Ltd (APC)


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