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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: "Alexander - .mx" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <al123dr@yahoo.ie>
Date: Wed, 4 Mar 2015 08:56:16 -0500
Subject: Re: Investing in your country (1.2M).

Sir,
 
Good morning and good day to you.
 
I am looking to work with a reputable individual/firm to engage in a profit oriented ventures in your country and perhaps with your assistance, we could get lowered tax rates.
 
I am Alex Dryano a staff/member of the inner circle of Mr. Mikhail Khodorkovsky who was imprisoned in Russia on false charges of fraud and tax evasion by the current Russian President Mr. Vladimir V. Putin.
 
For more details, please follow this links:
 
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikhail_Khodorkovsky
 
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/dec/20/mikhail-khodorkovsky-russia-richest-man
 
Before the arrest of Mr. Mikhail Khodorovsky, we were in the process to complete the documents for the contract payment of US$500 M. The contract award was executed with Yukos Oil Company, while working on the issuance of the Approval Documents on the contract payment Mr. Mikhail Khodorkovsky was arrested which led to the suspension of the transaction.
 
Fortunately for us, Mr. Khodorkovsky has being released and is currently reuniting with family in Europe. Hence, the time is right to complete the US$500 M contract payment. The initial foreign company name listed as recipient of the US$500 M belongs to Mr. Khodorkovsky but with current event, this company name cannot be used in other not to put the contract payment of US$500 M at risk.
 
I ask for your help so you can stand as the foreign contractor / recipient of the said funds, upon receipt of your positive reply we can re-profile the related documents with your details to conclude the payment of US$500 M to you as recipient.
 
Upon receipt of your immediate response, we shall discuss the compulsory modalities to see this transaction to successful conclusion. Note that you will be entitled to 20% of the total funds for your assistance. I consequently request your maximum assistance and co-operation to facilitate the release of the contract payment to your name.
 
In conclusion, I confirm that this transaction would be carried out under a legitimate arrangement without breach of the law. Please keep this transaction to yourself and note that this transaction must be concluded within two weeks. If you cannot assist then I will suggest that you introduce anyone you consider capable and trustworthy to work with me on this transaction.
 
Finally, with our contacts in Oil & Gas sector, we facilitate the sale and purchase of Petroleum products such as D2 Diesel and Mazut100 from different refineries in Russia and around the world. If you or any of your associate be interested, do contact me for further discussions.
 
Anticipating your reply.
 
Sincerely,
 
Alexander.
 

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