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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: "From Gen. JJ Komo" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <general_army001@yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 23 Oct 2016 17:14:26 -0700
Subject: Re,GOODNEWS

Attn,

My name is Gen JJ Komo, head of a committee setup up by all Africa member states in the recent regional meeting. I have been assigned by the African Union in collaboration with the United Nations to deliver two deposited boxes worth $50 million United States dollars which were supposed to be delivered to you some years ago.
I am looking forward to working with you as from all investigation you have initiated so many humanitarian assistance in support of refugees both in Ghana and other parts of the world.
Indeed you are such a high profile personality and will be glad to work with you.
Kindly send me a copy of your passport or valid Id, as well as your current address, direct phone number and the name of the closest airport to you as the delivery, shall be done through a private UN cargo plane.
Be rest assured that I shall meet you in your country as soon as I confirm the receipt of your details.

regards,
Gen. JJ Komo
Head of Committee
African Union

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