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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: "Sani yaro" <soniyaro2@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: saniyaro50@myway.com
Date: Fri, 16 Sep 2005 20:31:43 +0000
Subject: URGENT REPLY PLEASE

Victoria Island .
Lagso Nigeria.
ATTN:Sir/madam,

I am Alhji Sani Yaro the Secretary of the contract award committee, federal
ministry of petroleum resources, Nigeria I am in search of an agent to
assist us in the transfer of FIFTY MILLION, FOUR HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED
STATES DOLLARS. And subsequent investment in properties in your country.You
will be required to:

(1) Assist in the transfer of the said sum
(2) Advise on lucrative areas of investment
(3) Assist us in purchase of properties.

If you decide to render your service to us in this regard, 20% of the total
sum will be offerred to you.
PLEASE SEND REPLY TO INDICATE YOUR WILLINGNESS IN ASSISTING US SO THAT I
WILL DIRECT YOU ON WHAT NEXT To DO.INCLUDE YOUR
DIRECT TELEPHONE AND FAX NUMBERS IF
YOU ARE RESPONDING. THANKS FOR YOUR ANTICIPATED ASSISTANCE.
YOURS FAITHFULLY,
Alhji Alhji Sani Yaro
Secretary of the contract award committee(SCAC).


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