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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: SUSAN HOLM <susanholm58@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2012 10:04:20 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: RE: THIS IS REALITY


Dear Friend,

This is to informed you of my late clients,Rev.Dr.Joseph Wilson,I have
tried to reach you by mail but the letter was returned undelivered; I
now try your e-mail and get true.

I wish to notify you that you are a beneficiary to the bequest sum of
$2,500.000 [Two, Million,five hundred thousand US dollars} in the
codicil and last testament of the deceased .The late Rev.Dr..Joseph
Wilson until his death was a very dedicated Christian and a strong
member  he was a great philanthropist and this earned him an award
during his life time. Late Rev.Dr..Joseph Wilson  died on 27th March
2012 at the age of 82 years. He was buried on the 7Th July, 2012 and
his will is now in execution.Rev.Dr..Joseph Wilson even though he was
an AMERICA living and working here as a foreigner, he requested before
his death, that he should be buried here in Nigeria. In his words 'I
regard here as my home and the people as my people.He said that this
token is to support your Christian activities and help the less
privileged.

We want you to forward your current telephone,,current address,driver
licence number or copy of it,to enable me  file necessary documents at
our high court probate division for the release of the money $2.5
million dollars through BANK

Await urgent reply.
Yours in His service.
SUSAN HOLM (Esq)


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