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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: "Mrs Lariba A. Ozturk" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <lariba_ozturk@yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 3 Sep 2017 23:45:40 +0100
Subject: Re: Message 04 / 09 / 2017

I write this letter with heart full of sincerity, My name is Mrs Lariba Azima Ozturk, wife of General Akin Ozturk, former four-star General in the Turkish Air Force who served as the 30th Commander of the Turkish Air Force until August 4, 2015, after his expiration as commander, he continued his duty as a member of the Supreme Military Council. My husband was arrested on 16 July 2016 on charges of having played a leading role in the failed 2016 Turkish coup d'état attempt of 15 July. He was stripped of all his military ranks and indicted for offences against public order, terrorism, conspiracy and treason. my husband has denied all charges with proof and evidence that he never participated in the failed coup.
I and members of our family are under constant surveillance, our house was earlier surrendered by armed military officers, although we are now able to move around albeit with some restrictions, it is very important that I am very discreet in my dealings, especially as it regards what I am about to tell you. When my husband noticed unrest within Turkish Government, he moved his life savings to a banks abroad, of note is funds valued at 9.6 Million British Pounds which was moved to a bank in London with the help of the British Embassy in Istanbul as they are sympathetic to our plight. The said deposit was lodged under my name, based on the instructions of my husband, I am to look for a neutral partner without affiliation or ties to our family or the State of Turkey whom I will give the Power of Attorney as regards the said deposit. This is why I contacted you.
Already we have an attorney in London who will arrange all legal and transfer documents in your name. It is my desire to relocate to your country with my family, we intend to use the fund to facilitate it, you will be handsomely rewarded for this assistance. In the mean time, kindly send me your telephone number, full names, address, occupation and any of your identification card.
I will be waiting for your urgent response.
Regards,
Mrs Lariba A. Ozturk

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