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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: "Mr Ali Hussein" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <ali.hussein@mail.bg>
Date: Mon, 6 Jun 2016 14:16:57 -0400
Subject: Await your swift response.

Attention:
 
I am Mr Ali Hussein, an Iraqi by birth presently in Syria. I have an investment fund with a reputable financial firm in Europe to the total sum of $18.5m (Eighteen Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars) and with the present situation here in Syria, i am unable to claim the fund hence i seek your indulgence to act as my partner and confidant.
 
All legal documents is under my possession and I need you to stand as my partner in claiming of these funds from the Bank though i have contacted an attorney whom shall guide you legally as soon as you indicate your interest to work with me in a mutual and utmost sincerity with absolute confidentiality.
 
You will be entitled to 15% for your assistance when completed. If you are wiling to assist me, kindly indicate your interest by a return mail to me through my personal email with the below followings;
 
Your full name
Age
Telephone
Occupation
Nationality
 
Await your swift response.
 
Yours Sincerely,
Mr Ali Hussein

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