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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: "Barr. Michael Godfrey" (may be fake)
Date: Fri, 3 Dec 2010 11:54:57 -0800
Subject: Re:

DOVER SOLICITORS AND LEGAL SERVICES
INTERNATIONAL LAWYERS AND
HUMAN RIGHT PRACTITIONER
 
For Your Attention.
 
Sequel to your non response to our earlier letter to you on behalf of the Trustees and Executors to the Will of our late client. I wish to notify you that your name is listed as a beneficiary to the total sum of $1,600,000.00 (One Million Six Hundred Thousand, United States Dollar) in the codicil and last testament of the deceased. Until his death he was a major share holder in big companies which include textile and construction companies.
 
He was a very great philanthropist during his life time. He died on 9th January 2004 at the age of 68.He was buried on the 3rd of February. Even though he was a foreigner living and working here he requested before his death that he be buried here, in his words, "I regard here as my home and the people as my people"
 
I therefore reckoned that you can receive this fund as you are qualified by your name identity. All the legal papers will be processed on your response. In your acceptance of this deal, we request that you kindly forward to us your current telephone and fax numbers and contact address to enable us file necessary documents at the high court probate division for the release of this sum of money.
 
Yours faithfully,
 
Barrister Micheal Godfrey .Esq.
Dover Solicitors and Legal Services
+27 716 898 169
For more information contact: mr.michaelgodfrey2010@hotmail.com
Address: 8th Floor, Sandton City Office Tower Johannesburg 2146. Gauteng South Africa.

Anti-fraud resources: