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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: Hassan Osman <faye8019@gmail.com>
Reply-To: wcix101@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 6 Apr 2012 05:33:38 +0100
Subject: Re: Project!!

--
Assalamualaikum,

After my official inquiry from the foreign trade office of the
chambers of commerce & industry here, I decided to contact you but I
did not disclose the intention to anyone else because of the delicate
nature of the project. I found your profile very interesting and
decided to reach you directly to solicit for your assistance. Please,
I must plead for your confidence in this transaction. I am a high
placed official working with the President of Libya (Col. Muammar
Gaddafi).

I was serving as the President's Aid - De - Camp (ADC), am currently
in need of an experienced silent foreign partner whom I can trust to
push some of the funds he deposited in my name in various financial
firms in some countries he has business with.

Actually, my good friend, I was inducted by Col. Muammar Gaddafi after
seeing my trust. I have been in charge of all financial matters
concerning his funds due to the trust the President has on me, as you
know in military, ADC is someone you must trust more than any one
else.

I want your assistance to move some of these funds to your country as
you know that my boss is dead. I will allow you to invest it in your
business or in any good business. All necessary documents will be made
available for prove in needed time.

I plead with you on one issue, whether you are interested or not,
kindly do not expose this information to any one else. I confirm that
the transaction is legitimate and without any risk either to me or
yourself. Please, give me your response immediately by returning this
mail through my email address.

Hassan Osman

Anti-fraud resources: