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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: "joe jones" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <joej_ones@indiatimes.com>
Date: Mon, 9 May 2011 19:40:35 +0430
Subject: Good Day,From SFC Joe Jones. Please,confidential and Top secret.

Good Day,
I want to solicit your attention in receiving funds on my behalf. The purpose of me contacting you is because you live in a continent where I want to invest. I am sending you full details and more information concerning the funds and myself.
My name is Joe Jones, A US marine, employed to work in Iraq as a language translator.  I am attached to 1st BN, 68th Amour Reg, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry and I worked directly under Staff Sergeant Sanchez Virrueta A as an interpreter. As you aware, we are being attacked everyday by insurgents through hostile fire and car bombs.
SOURCE OF FUNDS:
In April 2005, I and some other crew members in my team discovered $650M illion USD in Saddam Hussein's palace.  The discovery was immediately assigned to Staff Sergeant Sanchez under whom I was serving for inspection and verification.  In the process of cross-checking the funds, I and my boss Staff Sergeant Sanchez  unit head managed to move away a total sum of US$10.2 Million dollars cash out of the $650MUSD, mostly 100-dollar bills and was quickly flown out of the war zone as a military cargo. 
The cargo was later disguised and declared as personal military effects.  The arrangement was handled by me and Staff Sergeant Sanchez Virrueta A.  You can as well click on the site below for more details about the source of the funds.  The site will give you a bit of idea of our operation and how I came about the fund that we deposit with a British Security Company Virgin Atlantic Courier Service in Iraq.Please, view the website.
Website:  http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2988455.stm
 
Unfortunately, Staff Sergeant Sanchez Virrueta A lost his dear life through hostile fire from the wicked Iraqi insurgents.  I therefore seek your partnership in claiming and receiving fund .I will take 60% while you are going to be entitled to 40% for your participation and assistance.
I wish to inform you also that it is my fervent wish to leave the Miaimi Florida as soon as we successfully and smoothly conclude the transaction. Upon your response, I will send you the full details of the Security & Trust Company in whose custody the funds are lodged as well as the modalities of claiming and receiving the diplomatic
luggage.
 
I decided to move the fund/consignment out of Iraq because by the end of this year America’s Marine will be out of Iraq .I can’t possible travel back with the fund to USA directly that is why I decided to contact a foreign outside US that will stand to claim this fund as the foreign business partner to Late Staff Sergeant Sanchez Virrueta and the beneficiary of the fund.
Note: the security company is not aware of the contents of the consignment for security reasons.
But you must assure me and demonstrate it that you can be trusted as I need your unwavering assurances. I am presently in US Military Base Iraq where I am presently receiving treatment due to injuries sustained after our convoy came under heavy fire in a suburb area of Baghdad.
Please re-confirm your full names, address and direct phone number immediately so that I can submit the information to the Courier Company where the cash consignments are deposited for change/transfer of ownership in your favor to enable you claim and receive the funds. I promise you that there is no risk on both sides as far as you follow my instructions and take my advice.
Please, assure me that, you will keep this transaction 100% confidential and secret.
 
Respectfully yours,
 
SFC Joe Jones.
 
Iraq,Middle East.
 

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