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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.Branco Rafael" <Dr.Branco001@netscape.net>
Date: Thu, 26 Jan 2006 23:19:24
Subject: FOR OUR MUTUAL BENEFI

Dr.Branco Rafael. P.O.Box 13,Sao Tome Islands. central bank of sao tome Please May you permit me to send you this business proposal for your consideration please reply to this First and foremost, I would like to use this opportunity to introduce my self to you as the Senior accountant of Central Bank of Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe and have acquired huge amount of money during the interception of Power and Leadership of President Fradrique De Menezes by the Rebel Leader on the 16th of July, 2003,although the Government of President Fradrique De Menezes was later restored back by the United Nations Peace Keeping Force and African Union one week after the seized power by the Rebel Leader. However, I am having problem of moving this funds out of the Country with my full involvement as I have no right under my capacity to have these funds transferred out of the country knowing too well that as a Civil Servant, I am not entitled to own more than $20,000.00 as my personal funds and above all, the Government of Sao Tome and Principe has banned all Government Officials from operating a foreign account without the approval from the Office of the Prime Minister. To this effect, I am soliciting for your assistance to collaborate with me by fronting you as the beneficiary of this funds so as to have this funds ($3.5million) moved to your account under your custody. I will guide and advise you on how to go about this transaction to become a reality if you are interested to help me out. Prior to your full acceptance to strike this deal with me, I will personally offer you 30% of this $3.5million May I have your comments base on my offer and if possible reply to this email this is my private email address, send me your contact telephone number for usto talk over this issue on telephone. Regards, Dr.Branco Rafael Senior accountant-Central Bank of Sao Tome and Principe --

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