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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: "20.08.2016" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <reverend.clement@ravemail.co.za>
Date: Sun, 21 Aug 2016 01:04:47 -0700
Subject: my subject

Greetings!
    
My name is Rev. Dr Clement Aaron and I am based in Johannesburg, South Africa. I have my church member (a widow) Mrs. Anna Zikalala who has (Eighteen Million United States Dollars) and she asked me to look for a reliable person or Investor who can invest this money in a profitable business venture.
    
My church member is interested in placing part of her funds in your company or any other profitable investment of your choice if your countrys bi-laws allow foreign investment. She is willing to offer you 40% of the total funds if you can assist her transfer this funds to your country or any bank of your choice before investments. Should you be willing to assist her, kindly reply to me giving me the following details?
    
(1)Your Full Name: (2) Your Occupation (3) Your Mobile Number;
    
I would appreciate your secrecy to this communication until the transfer has been finalized.
    
Yours faithfully,
    
Rev. Dr Clement Aaron

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