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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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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "DR.ALLOY UTOMI" <alloyutomi@msn.com>
Date: Thu, 20 Oct 2005 04:20:29 +0000
Subject: PLEASE TREAT AS URGENT


Dear Friend,
Re: Urgent Funds for Investment.
I am Dr.Alloy Utomi, a member of the Contract Review Panel,
Federal Ministry Of Environment (FME), Nigeria. I am contacting you to be our reliable partner/agent to assist us to receive and investment of Twenty Seven million Three hundred Thousand United States Dollars only into your designated bank account in subsequent
investments in education, properties, agriculture, construction, software design and supply, or any business of your choice, to initiate a proper and structured relationship in your country.
You will be required to;
(1). Assist in the transfer/receive of the above amount in your designated bank account (virgin or existing account).
(2). Advised on lucrative areas for investment with a large yearly turn-over profit .
(3). Assist us in the purchase of properties .
(4). The fund is intended to be invested through you/your agency in the purchase of facilities and assets in your country.
(5). This transaction will result in you being paid a commission of 25% off the investment capital.
(6). The transaction desire absolute confidentiality and professionalism in the handling of this matter.
Please let me know what your response will be to an offer to receive investment funds in cash and if the above investment proposals interest you and you sincerely wish to advice and assist, I urgently want you to send me the information as stated below so that we can commence
the mutual beneficial transaction without delay and onward transfer of the funds into your designated bank account;
(1). Your Full Names and Address
(2). Your Telephone and Fax Numbers and if available your cell phone Number.
You shall be given 25% of the total sum of US$27.3M for the services rendered as soon as the funds are confirmed in your bank account within or less than 14 days of the final commencement/take-off of the transaction/project. Moreover, our investment shall also be under your sole supervision since you know what to invest in making profits in your country.
Your swift copy of your email should be forwarded to: alloyutomi56@fastermail.com or my INTERNET FAX NUMBER: 1 801 841 5583.
Yours faithfully,
Dr.Alloy Utomi

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