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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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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.

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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "a security company " (this will cost you money - that's what the scam is about)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
  • frankzuma_503@hotmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: frankzuma_uk_14 zuma <frankzuma_uk_14@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2006 00:14:58 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: URGENT BUSINESS ASSISTANCE


MR.FRANK ZUMA
TEL:27-83-9736072
frankzuma_503@hotmail.com

ATTN:

URGENT BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

I do recognize the surprise this urgent but confidential letter will bring to you especially as it came from a stranger, but rest assured that it came with best of intentions. First. I must introduce myself. I am Mr.Frank Zuma from the diamond-rich district of Sierra Leone and my father was the former Special adviser to the ousted Head of State of Sierra Leone, Major Johnny Paul Koroma. I got your address and other details from the International Chamber of Commerce here in South Africa.

During the war between our forces led by the Ex-Head of State, Major Johnny Koroma and the west African Allied Forces (ECOMOG), my country relied heavily on foreign earnings generated from diamond trade. This money was personally kept by the then President, Major Johnny Paul Koroma since our banking system had collapsed during the war. However, as the war progressed, it became apparent that we were going to loose the war to the superior and better armed West African Allied Forces (ECOMOG). At this point, the key officers of the administration started making frantic efforts on how to leave Sierra Leone safely thereby sharing the proceeds/money from this diamond trade. In view of the fact that my father was one of the key officers of the then administration and an In-law to Major Paul Koroma, he succeeded in getting the sum of US$20.5 Million (Twenty Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars).

We made arrangement and transferred the money through diplomatic means to South Africa, where I am presently living in exile as an asylum seeker but unfortunately, my father died of heart attack after a few months of exile in South Africa and automatically, I came in total control of the said money as the only surviving son. Upon our arrival in South Africa after due consideration, we deposited the money with a Security Company for security reasons. The actual content was not disclosed to them (Security Company) pending when we see a trust worthy person who will assist us in transferring this money to his account outside South Africa, as the strict Monetary laws here do not allow asylum seekers certain financial rights.

shall be most grateful if you can assist me accomplish this transaction and hoping too that you will remain trustworthy. For your efforts and assistance, I have agreed to give you 20% of the total sum while 10% will be set aside for all the expenses incurred in the course of this transaction. The rest of the 70% will be for my family investment in your country. Please, note that I have made arrangements for a successful deal. As such, the only thing I ask from you is total assistance to transfer this money, complete trust and assurance that my own part of the money will be safe when transferred to your account. I would also wish you kept this proposal highly confidential and secret considering my father position before his death and the source of the money. If you are interested in assisting me,

Please contact me through the above fax or telephone as soon as possible. Thanking you in advance for your anticipated co-operation.

Yours faithfully,
Mr.Frank Zuma.


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam