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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: "Johnson Akukwu" <johnson_akukwu@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 08 Sep 2005 05:23:32 -0700
Subject: YOUR ATTENTION IS NEEDED HERE URGENTLY

Dear Sir/madam,

Before I start, I must first apologize for this  mail to you. I am aware that this is certainly an unconventional approach to establishing a relationship so as this, but you will realize the reason for my action after going through this email.

My name is Mr. Johnson Akukwu, I am a senior partner (Attorney) in the firm of Akukwu Consulting Limited: A Private international business consultant, Security
Consultants, brokers and Financial Managers in the West African sub region. I have a lot of influential clients all over Africa Most of whom are top present and past Government functionaries in African, Who for strong political reasons never wanted publicity.

At present, I have an urgent need for assistance to relocate from West African and secure the amount of US$34Million (Thirty four Million United States Dollars) to any country abroad with vibrant economic Strength for investment purposes.  This fund belongs to a top government functionary (Name withheld) in one of the West African countries. He needs that this fund
be invested abroad.

It is in view of this therefore that I write to solicit your assistance and participation to move this
fund abroad. All necessary arrangements have been put in place for a successful transporting of this fund abroad. You will be well briefed if you confirm your willingness and interest in this project.


The family concerned are willing and ready to negotiate your percentage accruable to you in regards to your participation in the successful relocation of
this fund.

You will be properly briefed on my receipt of your email confirming your interest to participate. The name of the top government functionary will also be given to you and what will be required of you as concerns the successful execution of this project will also be communicated to you.
If you have intrest you can send your response to <infojohnson@uk2.net>l

I wait your immediate response to this proposal.


Best regards,

Mr. Johnson Akukwu

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