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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 GEORGE LEWIS" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <mr.georgelewis44@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 19 Aug 2016 08:18:11 -0700
Subject: Re: I wait for your urgent reply ASAP ...........

I am surprise that you did not get my first mail to you.
 
I am MR GEORGE LEWIS I want to inquire from you, if you can handle a financial transaction (investment) of $45.2M with me which
 
I believe will benefit you and I.Please get back to me
 
1] Investment capital is $45.2M
 
2] Areas of interest are Real Estates, Industries, Fisheries, Transports and Hotels
 
3] Shares are subject to negotiations. Take note that this transaction is 100% legitimate and risk free. You shall be compensated for assisting to secure the funds for investment purposes.
Please ensure that this matter is kept strictly confidential.
 
Thanks for honoring this invitation. Expecting your mail
 
ASAP.
 
Thanks
 
MR GEORGE LEWIS

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