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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: "Stephanie Edwards" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <manfred_engstler47@qq.com>
Date: Fri, 17 Mar 2017 08:12:18 -0700
Subject: Please, it is my dying wish

Compliments of day to you.

My name is Mrs Stephanie Edwards. I am a dying woman who has decided to donate what I have to you. I am 62 years old and diagnosed of cancer about 2 years ago. I lost my husband and I was left alone, I have no family and I will be going for surgery shortly and I pray that I survive, but the chances are slim.

I have decided to Will/donate the sum of $1,500,000.00 (One Million, Five Hundred thousand dollars) to you for the good work of charity. I got your contact from a random online search, as led by my spirit. I cannot use this money for myself when I am gone; one with a good moral stand and charitable heart should use it. I believe my spirit has led me right, I wanted someone anonymous to gain this money. I have been a very lonely woman, do help me put joy in other peoples lives.

Presently, I have informed my lawyer about my decision to will this money to you. Kindly Contact my lawyer whose contact I place below, to carry out this task of charity. Please, it is my dying wish.

Manfred Engstler Esq.
Email: manfred_engstler47@qq.com
Tel : +447087642496

Thank you and God bless you.


Mrs Stephanie Edwards

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