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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: Bernard Vincent <benpin908@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <mr.bernard_vincent@yahoo.es>
Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2007 13:17:17 +0000
Subject: FROM BERNARD VINCENT (BUSINESS)


Greetings, I interest of investing in your country as well as seek your services in a private/confidential matter regarding late John shumedja who died leaving some funds unclaimed in our bank without any beneficiary. This requires a private arrangement. Could you perhaps be able to receive these funds under legal claims then I will fill you in. I am willing to pay a generous management and transfer fees for your participation. 30% I need assistance from a trustworthy and reliable person whom I will fill in as the beneficiary to provide an account where this fund will be remitted have all the details and will fill you in if you are really willing. Your major role would be to open a bank account where the funds will be transferred. The funds in question are quite large (about £10,020,000). I will expect a straight answer from you. Yes or no. If yes, then let's work out the modalities, I also expect you to provide me with your private mobile number so that I call you for further explanation.
I wait to hear from youRegards,Mr. Bernard Vincent.
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