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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: "Pius Omon" <piusomon_2@msn.com>
Reply-To: p_omon007@123mail.cl
Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2005 03:49:49 +0000
Subject: OCTOPUS IMP.& EXP.

Octopus import and export co.Nig. Ltd,
13, Queens Drive,
V/Island, Lagos, Nigeria.
Tel/fax: 00234 -80 -42662706
Reply to: p_omon007@123mail.cl

I, Mr.Pius Omon:

I represent Octopus import and export company based in Nigeria. My company
exports cocoa, Arts & Craft and other goods/services for world trade.

We are looking for representatives in Europe and America that can help my
company in clearing our money, because most of our customers pay with checks
and we don’t have a foreign account that will clear this money. As our
representative you will receive 10% of any money you clear for the company,
that’s how you will be paid by the company, and the rest of the money will
be paid into an account we will provide for you.

If you are interested in our offer please send your NAME, CONTACT ADDRESSS
and TELEPHONE NUMBER.

Looking forward to hear from you.

Very Respectfully,

Mr. Pius Omon, President
Octopus Import and Export Company
Nig. ltd.


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