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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: "REED SUMMERS" (may be fake)
Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2017 22:58:52 -0400
Subject: READ YOUR MAIL

Hello,

I know this email must come to you as a surprise in that we have neither met nor spoken before, but I believe that it takes just a contact for people to meet and become great friends and business partners. This is a personal and private letter directed to you and I request that it be treated as such.

My name is Reed Summers, a Retiree. I was the personal Financial Advisor to a late Client that died in a car crash along with his immediate family members on the 10th of Nov 2007. Shortly after his death, I was directed by his bank to locate any of his extended relatives whom shall be claimant/beneficiary of his fixed deposit account with the bank valued at Eight Million Great British Pounds (£8,000,000.00). I tried my best to locate any of his family members but all such efforts were unsuccessful. I also sought the assistance of his original Home Country Embassy here in London in locating any of his relatives without any success. Just last week, I received yet another letter from the holding bank indicating that proceedings for the forfeiture of this fund to the British Government in line with enabling laws will be initiated if no Next of Kin came forward to claim the fund by the 10th anniversary of his death being 16th of July this year (2017). Considering the amount of fund involved and non productive use

To commence the process of claim and transfer of this fund to your designated bank account, you need firstly signify your interest by return mail, and I give you full details regarding this deal on gaining your confidence. Rest assured that there are no risks involved as all process involved in achieving a smooth transfer of this fund to your nominated account would be legally followed. Do also note that I have with me, copies of the original documents to the fixed deposit account needed to give credence and legitimacy to the claim. The documents were entrusted in my care by my late Client days after making the fixed deposit, so you need not entertain any fears. Also note that from my discreet investigation, successful transfer of the

Fund to your nominated account can be achieved within 16 Banking days of signifying your interest. Like I said, I require only a solemn confidentiality on this. Please, include your Private and confidential Phone number (preferably Mobile) in your reply.

Best regards,
Reed Summers

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