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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: "Mr. Heinz Buhler" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <heinz.buhler101@inmail24.com>
Date: Tue, 17 May 2011 21:51:00 -0400
Subject: Your Assistance Is Needed.

Hello,
 
Pardon me for not knowing your mindset before making you this offer which is utterly confidential and genuine by virtue of its nature. I write to solicit your assistance in a funds transfer deal involving US$14.2 million.
 
This fund has been stashed out of the excess profit made last year by my branch office of the UNITED BANK OF SWITZERLAND. I have already submitted an approved end-of-the-year report for the year 2010 to my head office, and they will never know of this excess cash.
 
Upon your response, I shall configure your name on our payroll database as holder of the excess account. I will then guide you on how to apply to my head office for the bank-to-bank remittance of the excess cash of US$14.2 million into your designated bank account.
 
If you accept this proposal, I intend for you to retain 30% of the funds while 70% shall be for me. Kindly send your mobile telephone number to enhance our communications.
With Regards.
 
Heinz Buhler

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