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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: "Philip Grillo" <philipgrillo@msn.com>
Reply-To: philipgrillo@socamail.com
Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2005 14:56:50 +0000
Subject: Hoping To Hear From You Soonest

Dearest Friend,
 
First, I must solicit your confidence in this Transaction; this is by virtue of its nature as being utterly confidential and top secret. Though I know that a transaction of this magnitude will make any one apprehensive and worried, but I am assuring you that all will be well at the end of the day. I have decided to contact you because of the urgency of this Transaction.
 
Let me start by first introducing myself properly to you, I am Philip Grillo the Auditor of First Bank Nigeria Plc.  I got your contact from the British chambers of commerce and industry and foreign trade division while searching for a reliable and a reputable person to handle a very confidential Transaction, which involves the Transfer of huge sum of money to a Foreign Account requiring maximum confidence.

A Foreigner, from Atlanta, United States of America Late GEORGE BRUMLEY, a  Physician/Contractor with the Federal Government of Nigeria until his death in a ghastly air crash, who died along with his entire family in a plane crash that took place in Kenya, East Africa. Please, visit the website below for more information.
http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/africa/07/20/kenya.crash/index.html

Late George Brumley had in his domicilliary account with us an equivalent of US$22.2million as closing balance. The last Annual General Meeting (AGM) decided and expected that this closing balance of US$ 22,2000,000 will be claimed by Late George Brumley's relative as foreign Next of Kin or be donated as unclaimed to a trust fund for arms and ammunition at Military War College here in Nigeria. This idea is most unresonable hence I have decided to take this step.
 
Fervent efforts made by the First Bank to get in touch with any of the George's family or relatives all have proved abortive. As a result of this, our Chairman and Board of Directors are in the process of declearing the fund "UNCLAIMABLE".
 
As an insider and actual Auditor of the Account, I have decided to contact you to act as the Late George Brumley's Next of Kin and Beneficiary in order for you to recieve this fund as inheritance claim for the benefit of both parties. All documentation required to perfect this will be in place once you indicate your acceptance, for your role in the transaction. You will keep 40% for your self, 5% to reimburse us for any expenses we may incur in the course of the transaction, including our phone bills or travel expenses and the 55% left will be for me.
 
If this proposal is OK and you wish to take advantage of the trust I here bestow on you and your company kindly get to me immediately furnishing me with the following information stated below: 1. Your Full Name, Your Contact Address and Your most confidential Telephone and Fax numbers so that I can forward to you the details of this transaction. Please note that your positive or negative response will be most appreciated to enable me know the way forward. I will be waiting to hear from you. (PLEASE ALSO RESPOND TO MY PRIVATE AND MOST CONFIDENTIAL EMAIL STATED BELOW philipgrillo@socamail.com )
 
Thank you and God Bless.
 
Best regards,
Philip Grillo.
Alternate email: philipgrillo@socamail.com

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