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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: Harry Stephen <barrhstephens1@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 27 Feb 2008 11:20:54 -0800 (PST)
Subject: NEXT OF KIN


Dear Sir/Madam,

I have just be informed that you bear the same lastname as my client Mr. David who passed away recently.

My late client indicated your name as the next of kin and for two years now, l have been trying to locate anyone with the same last name, hence my contacting you.
Do get in touch with me immediately for further information, should you be the one.

Regards
Barrister Harry Stephen



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