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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: "Mrs. Catherine Marihart" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <marihartcatherine@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 9 Aug 2015 10:46:40 +0300
Subject: Re: Together We Can Make A Difference

 
My name is Mrs. Catherine Marihart, as fate may have it at 51, I was diagnosed with stage 3b breast cancer three years ago and just last month, I was told by my doctor that I have less than four months to live due to the deteriorating stage of the cancer, having suffered a lot these past years trying to hold on to life. I have decided to WILL/donate my investments to you as an individual for the good work of the lord.
 
In early April 2011, I was hospitalize after I had a car accident with my family, I lost my husband and my two daughters who were also on board in the accident. After the accident, I have been battling with some health problems from the major injuries that I sustained in the cause of the accident. Barely a year later I was diagnosed with stage 3b breast cancer which most specialist have confirmed will I not survive no matter what. Recently, my doctor told me that I have some few months to live due the surgery that was conducted. Though what disturbs is my presence predicament, due to the injuries that I sustained and damaged of my spinal cords in the accident.
 
Having known my condition, I seek your consent to present you as the new Trustee/ Beneficiary to the Funds, valued around US$9 Million United States Dollars deposited at the custody of the financial institution before it gets confiscated or declared un-serviceable.
 
Kindly provide me the following information, Full Name: ..................Country: .................
Residence Address: .........Occupation: ................Age: ..........................Phone Number: ..................
 
So that I will prepare all relevant documents with the assistance of my lawyer to effect the release of the funds to you. I know I have never met you but my mind tells me to do this, and I hope you will act sincerely. I have also decided that 30% of this money should be taken by you from the total sum upon the success release of this funds, because I am now too weak and fragile to do things myself because of my present health problems. I have been given 21 working days by the financial Institution for the collection of the deposited item before it will be confiscated. I will appreciate your utmost confidentiality in this matter until the task is accomplished, as I don't want anything that will jeopardize my last wish.
 
I look forward to hearing from you soon. May our lord guide and bless you as you carry out this assignment for himself and humanity. Meanwhile I want to equally remember me in your prayers.
 
Thanks and love from Sister Catherine

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