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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: MR MIKE WILLIAMS <mr_mike_williams24@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2006 09:42:35 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: URGENT RESPONSE IS NEEDED.


Dear friend,

Well I just want to let you know that I am still waiting to hear from you urgently so that we can proceed with the procedures. So please kindly get back to with the required information so that the lawyer will use it and get the needed document.

Kindly get back to me with the needed information so that we can proceed with the procedures.

Waiting for your urgent reply.

Best Regards,
MR.MIKE WILLIAMS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PRUDENTIALINSURANCE COMPANY.


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