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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: "Fatima" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <fatima.zuraiha01@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 9 Apr 2011 02:28:30 -0700
Subject: From Fatima Zuraiha

Oruba street Beida, Al-Baida City, Al Jabal Al Akhdar Libya
 
Dearest in the Lord,
I am Mrs. Fatima Zuraiha  I am married to Late  Ibrahim Al Zuraiha of blessed memory who  was an  oil explorer in Libya for twelve years before he died in the year 2005.We were married for twelve years without a child. He died after brief illness that lasted for only four days. Before his death we were both devoted Muslims. Since his death I have been battling with both Cancer and fibroid problems. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of $8.5million (eight Million, Five Hundred thousand U.S Dollars) with a Security company. Recently, my doctor told me that I have only six months to live due to cancer problem.
Though what disturbs me most is my stroke sickness. Having known my condition I decided to donate this fund to either charitable organization or devoted trustworthy individual that will utilize this money the way I am going to instructs herein. I want this charitable organization or individual to use this money in all sincerity to fund charitable homes, orphanages, preach the word of the GOD,  and also propagating the word of God  the most merciful and most compassionate and to ensure that the society upholds the views and belief of the Holy book. The Holy book emphasizes so much on GODs benevolence and this has encouraged me to take the bold step. I took this decision because there is a civil war going on here in Libya and I know that I am not going to survive it since the medical personals helping us in treatment has been chased away by Ghaddafi   led forces and I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an unholy manner. Hence the reasons for
As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact information of the security company and where the money was deposited. I will also issue a letter of authority to the security company authorizing them that the said fund Have being willed to you and a copy of such authorization will be forwarded to you. I want you and the charitable organization where you reside to always pray for me. My happiness is that I lived a true devoted believer worthy of emulation. Whoever that wants to serve ALMIGHY   must serve him in truth and in fairness. Please always be prayerful all through your life. Any delay in your reply will give room in sourcing for another organization or a trustworthy for this same purpose. Until I hear from you, my dreams will rest squarely on your shoulders. May God continue to guide and protect you. Finally I want you to understand that i have personally made up my mind, 30% of the money will be for your effort while 10% for the expenses you might in
May God bless you.
Fatima Zuraiha

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