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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: Martin Chitty <martinlawchamber1@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2007 11:37:16 +0100 (BST)
Subject: URGENT


Mr. Valdemarr Wechshagen,

Good day to you,
It so great to hear from you, concerning the transaction I have told you to send me your full contact details to enables make an application of Affidavit in your name as the beneficiary to the Funds my late client deposited in the Bank ( NAT WEST BANK OF UK).

My good friend, I don't want anything to delay this transaction longer than this, so I advice you to send the details immediately and as soon as I secure the all the relevant document I will send a copy of it and forward the other to the Bank for the Funds release to you as the rightful beneficiary and the only Nest of Kin.

I wait your urgent respond.

Best regards,
Attorney Martin Chitty.


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