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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: "MR. JOHN OPOKU" <jopoku7@zwallet.com> (may be fake)
Reply-To: opoku77@walla.com
Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2005 14:06:32 +0000
Subject: GOLD OFFER

Attn:

We are small scale and private mining company at
Tarkwah in the western region of Ghana where gold is
produce in large quantities along the Birim River
belt.

Please find our details offer and procedure for the ALLUVIAL GOLD DUST.

Currently we have instock over 245 kg of a.u gold and
willing to give out at best offer.

Quantity:........... 245Kg - Alluvial Gold .

Quality code:........ SGS /ssm/22K.
Price:............... $10,500
Method of Payment:....50% up front payment by cash ortelegraphic
transfer and after refining and satisfaction then the final balance.

Shipment; by AIR

Mode of packedge Metal Boxes.

Interested buyers should contact JOHN OPOKU on

email bopoku24@yahoo.com for
sales terms and etc.

Sir, we count on your co-operation and assistance to
make this joint venture business proposal a mutually
beneficial and prosperous one.
Commission will be paid to Agents/Brokers who
can assist us obtain serious buyers.
Yours faithfully,
MR JOHN OPOKU


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