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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: "Johnson M. Lucas" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <jomlucas@aim.com>
Date: Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:27:16 +0100
Subject: Re: Immediate attention

Your recommendation was made known to me during my search for a reliable person whom I can entrust a viable business transaction.

I am Johnson Lucas, an Accountant with Capitec Bank South Africa. My boss, Richard Viser, who is the Chief Executive Officer, has made a huge profit since he assumed office in 2006. He has equally contributed to the enhancement of the well being of the staffs of Capitec Bank. However, he will be retiring from his position by December 2010.

Due to this development, he asked me to seek for a trustworthy person whom we can rely on to receive the sum of Seventeen Million, two hundred and fifty thousand United States Dollars (US$17.250M) to the any designated account that he/she will provide.

This sum of US$17.250 Million realized from undeclared taxes and abandon funds was discovered after the current auditing of the bank. We have agreed with other colleagues involved to put up all the necessary documents required and to ensure we get a reliable person who can secure this fund pending our readiness for disbursements.

Sequel to this development, your role will be only securing the fund by providing account details where this fund will be transferred into, and also your private email address, phone / fax numbers for easier and urgent communications. This will enable us expatiate action to ensure a hitch free transaction. As soon as you respond to this, we will open an immediate communication with you.

Therefore upon finalization, a total of 30% of the US$17.250 Million will be release to you for your assistance in secure this fund.

Finally, we are assuring you that this transaction will be concluded within 21 working days. Please you are kindly advised to contact me as I will be your guide in the conclusion of this transaction.

Yours faithfully,

Mr. Johnson Lucas

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