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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: "mariam_morgan@cantv.net" <mariam_morgan@cantv.net>
Date: Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:17:40 -0430
Subject: Dearest One,

Dearest One,
 
I am Mariam Morgan, 23years old and the only daughter of my late parents Mr.and Mrs.Morgan. My father was a highly reputable busnness magnet-(a cocoa merchant)who operated in the capital of Cote d'ivoire during his days.
 
It is sad to say that he passed away mysteriously in France  during one of his business trips abroad year 12th.Febuary  2008.Though his sudden death was linked or rather suspected  to have been masterminded by an uncle of his who travelled  with him at that time. But God knows the truth!
 
My mother died when I was just 14 years old, and since then my father took me so special. Before his death  on Febuary 12 2008 he told me that he has the sum of Ten Million United State  Dollars.(USD$10 000 000) left in a security company in a mettalic trunk box, but the security company didn't know the content because it was registered as family valuables for security reasons. He also hand over the documents to me.
 
I am just 23years old and a university undergraduate and really don't know what to do. Now I want you to assist me release the consignment from the custody of the security company. This is because I have suffered a lot of set backs as a result of incessant political crisis here in Cote d'ivoire. The death of my father actually brought sorrow to my life.
 
I am in a sincere desire of your humble assistance in this regards. Your suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded. Now permit me to ask these few questions:-

1. Can you honestly help me as?
2. Can I completely trust you?
3. What percentage of the total amount in question will be good for you?
Please,Consider this and get back to me as soon as possible and also reply me at my private email address at morgan.mariam@yahoo.com

Thank you so much.
My sincere regards,
Mariam Morgan

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