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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: "Brian Edward" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <brianedward33@ovi.com>
Date: Fri, 4 Jul 2014 18:17:40 +0100
Subject: TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN/04/07/2014

RE: TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

Sir/Madam,

My name is Brian Edward. I am a Senior Banker by profession. I brought a Business Deal at your doorstep for your consideration.

The sum of One Hundred and Sixty Nine Million United States American Dollars (US$169,000,000.00) was abandoned in a Numbered Account at my Branch. A professional arrangement has been initiated for possible claiming and evacuation of the aforesaid funds but I need someone like you to partner with me by standing as the RECIPIENT of the aforementioned funds when evacuated via BANK to BANK.

Upon your acceptance to the above subject matter, I will provide you with comprehensive details of this transaction which includes the Sharing Ratio and the transaction strategies. Above all, provision of your contact Telephone Numbers will be highly appreciated.

Truly Yours,
Brian Edward


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