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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 Richard Kofi Addo <adokofi@msn.com>
Reply-To: <erichardkofi113@live.com>
Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2008 08:51:22 +0000
Subject: Greetings from Mr Richard / Reply.



Greetings,
I have interest of investing in your country as wellas seek your services in a private and confidentialmatter. My Name is Mr. Richard Kofi Addo, a seniorAuditor heading computing department here in our bank.
On my routine inspection I discovered a dormantdomiciliary account with a Balance of ($10.850 MillionUSD}.I write to seek your indulgence and assistance intransferring this fund to your country through legalmeans.

I am proposing to make this transfer to a designatedbank account of your choice in your country forinvestment. At the conclusion of this transaction, youwill be given 30% of the total amount, 70% will be forme and my Bank colleagues who will help make thisbusiness a success.
Let me know if you can handle it.
Regards,
Mr.Richard Kofi Addo

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