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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: "lenz brown" <lenz_br@msn.com>
Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2005 01:12:47 +0000
Subject: REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED

Dear friend,

I represent GERRY NORMAN HOLDING LTD based in AUSTRALIA.My company
exports goods/services for world trade.We are searching for
representatives who can help us establish a medium of getting to our
customers in Europe and America/Canada 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:

(1)Your full names,
(2)Contact address and,
(3)Phone/fax numbers.

Thank you for your time.

Very Respectfully,
Mr. Lenz Brown
Secretary,
GERRY NORMAN HOLDING LTD.

FOR SAFETY AND CONFIDENTIAL REASONS PLEASE SEND YOUR RESPONSE TO THE
PRESIDENT DIRECT THROUGH HIS CONFIDENTAIL EMAIL ADDRESS
<g_harveynorman@yahoo.co.uk>


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