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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. Timothy Williams" <williams_tim20@yahoo.co.in> (may be fake)
Reply-To: williams_tim21@yahoo.co.in
Date: Mon, 2 Oct 2006 12:14:15 +0200
Subject: Nice to meet you

Hello Dear,

I am writting this letter with due respect and heartful of tears since we have not known or met ourselves previously I am asking for your assistance after I have gone through a profile that speaks good of you.

I want to find out if it's possible for you to deal with individual as to investment .
I came across your profile and I feel it's highly reputable that is why I pick an interest getting across to you in respect of investment at my disposal.
I will be so glad if you can allow me and lead me to the right channel towards your assistance to my situation now.

I will make my proposal well known if I am given the opportunity to introduce myself to you.
You can also contact me with this email, timothy@williams.la

Thanks and remain bless.

Mr. Timothy Williams



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