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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: "Anthony Williams" <anthonywilliams004@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: anthony.williams@hotmail.ro
Date: Wed, 02 Nov 2005 04:52:40 +0000
Subject: Immediate Contact:

FROM: Mr Williams.
COUNTRY: Ghana (West Africa)


This mail is strictly confidential and is for your attention only. I am
making this venture proposal to
you, as a reliable partner. I got your e-mail address through my search for
a reliable person/company in your country.

I am currently in Ghana (WEST AFRICA). I have Large sum of money for
INVESTMENT. I am searching for a reliable person in a position of trust to
help receive these funds for investment.

If you would like to assist me as a partner, kindly indicate your interest
by responding to this e-mail so
as to discuss all modalities. All other information relating to the presence
of the funds will be revealed
to you as we progress.

But if you are not the intended recipient of this mail, Please delete from
your mailbox and disregard
the content. May be The mail may have reached you by error.

I thank you for your anticipated cooperation and understanding. I look
forward to hearing from you
shortly. Kindly send your reply to my private email address bellow:


Best regards,
Mr Williams.


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