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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "BRENDAN LINGARD (ESQ)" <rr@mercuriocomunicacao.com>
Reply-To: brendanlingardfirm@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 14 Jan 2019 14:31:21 -0200
Subject: Greetings



--
Good day,



How are you and your family? In January 2009, a client of mine (Thomas)
made some fixed deposit of $48,000,000.00 in my bank Unfortunately, Mr.
Thomas who died as a result of a heart-related condition in March 12th
2009 died without a WILL. I humbly apologize for the means through
which you are being contacted about this. My name is Brendan Lingard, a
legal representative to the deceased. The late Mr. Thomas, who
hereinafter shall be referred to as my client died leaving the said
deposit unclaimed.



I wish to plead for your assistance in securing the said funds to avoid
confiscation by my Bank. The bank has issued a third time Legal
Notification Letter to contact and provide the Next-of-Kin to this funds
otherwise have the funds confiscated and converted into the Government
Treasury.



My proposition is to seek your consent to present you as the next-of-kin
or heir of the funds. Hence, you have relating information with the
late Mr. Thomas, the proceeds of this account can possibly be paid to
you, thereafter, and we could share the amount on mutual agreed
percentage. All legal documents to back up your claim as my late
client's next of kin will be gradually provided by me.




All I require is your honest and sincere co-operation to see this
transaction through. This will be executed under a legitimate
arrangement that will secure you and me from any breach of law. If this
business proposition offends your moral values, please do accept my
apology. I must use this occasion to implore you to exercise the utmost
indulgence to keep this matter absolute secrecy whatever your decision,
while I await your prompt response. Please contact me at once to
indicate your interest and more details shall be provided and if you are
not interested I advice you read and ignore thank you.



Note: This transaction will be treated personal with absolute discretion
and sincerity. Meanwhile, the transaction is a secret and confidential
deal between both of us as third parties must not be involved for a
successful and perfect completion.



Best Regards,
Brendan Lingard

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