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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: "Odile Afue Hillary" <odi1leafue233@barid.com>
Reply-To: <odilleafue233@barid.com>
Date: Sat, 25 Apr 2015 23:12:54 -0400
Subject: Re: 25th April 2015.

Dearest Sir ,
 
 
I know that my message will come to you as a surprise since I don't know you in person or met with you before, but I am of the believe that God would use you to come to my help.I am Odile Afue Hillary 18yrsa Medical Student undergraduate, from Cote d' Ivoire,the only child of Late Mr. Alin Hillary who was murdered alongside my mother and only brother two years ago by rebels. I am Presently in a church guest home here in Ghana because of wickedness of uncle's and relatives.
Before his death he had a domiciliary account here Ghana, up to the tune of (Five Million Five Hundred Thousand U S dollars). Please I need your assistance to get this money transferred to you for my education, investment and to be my guardian before my uncles will get hold of me and the money. I shall forward to you with the necessary documents on confirmation of your acceptance to assist me for the transfer of the money to you. As you will help me to travel and to complete my studies.
I am willing to offer you reasonable percentage from the total money as compensation for your effort. May God touch your heart and use you to bring back happiness and joy in my life.
 
Thanks
 
Odile Afue Hillary
E-mail: odilleafue233@barid.com
 

Anti-fraud resources: