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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: Ken Gabriel <kengabriel@uk2.net>
Reply-To: kengabriel@freenet.lu
Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:30:08 +0100
Subject: I need your response.



Hello,
I feel quite safe dealing with you in this important business. Though, this
medium (Internet) has been greatly abused, but i choose to reach you
through it
because it still remains the fastest medium of communication.
Do accept my sincere apologies if my mail does not meet your personal
ethics. I
knew that this mail will come to you as a surprise, but please do not be
discouraged with my proposal.
My name is Ken Gabriel I am an attorney. A late client of mine shares
a similar
name as yours, he died as the result of a heart problem in 2004. His heart
condition was due to the death of three members of his family which
left no one
as the next of kin. I hereby contacting you to assist me as the beneficiary in
receiving the funds he left behind before they confiscate and share it
board of
directors of the Financial institution. The Finance company has issued me a
notice to contact the next of kin, or the account will be confiscated.
My dear I want to present you as the sole beneficiary of my late
client so that
the huge amount ($9M) can be released. Then we can share the amount 50-50. All
legal documents to back up your claim as
my client's next-of-kin will be provided. All I require is your honest
cooperation to enable us see this transaction through one heart. This will be
executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach
of the law. Due to the fact that I am still in active service with my firm I
must use this opportunity to implore you to exercise the position as the next
of kin to the deceased and to keep this matter extraordinary confidential. I
will like you to acknowledge the receipt of this e-mail as soon as possible.
Waiting for your positive response.
Warm regards,
Ken.

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