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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,Rashidat Meyer" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <rashidatmeyer@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 17 Feb 2019 10:36:00 -0500
Subject: Hello..........

For a brief on my personality I am Mrs RASHIDAT MEYER. from Nigeria, I am 52 years of age,a mother of two children . my late husband was a politician before he was assassinated by rebel force of the Government of our country on his returning from a business trip from Netherlands.
 
It's my pleasure to contact you for a business venture which I intend to establish in your country, Please accept my apologies for the inconveniences of any sort this Mail May cost you. Though I have not met with you before but I believe one has to risk, confiding in someone to succeed sometimes in life.
 
My preference is any good profit yielding business and I would appreciate any viable ideas you could come up with. I will also need you to help me look for properties like homes and lands for sale as I am proposing to invest the sum of [15.5 Million] US Dollars for this. I do not know if you can and will be of help to me. Now I decided to invest this money in your country or any where safe enough outside Country for security purposes I want you to help me transfer this fund into your country for investment purposes also some part of the money will be use for the help of charity and widow's in your area. If you can be of assistance to me I will be pleased to offer you 20% of the total fund.
 
My need for this business proposition and to acquire these properties is very urgent as I am planing to move out of this country with my family down to your country. I want you to also help in finding a good home where my family and i will live in. ( Mini Estate )
 
Please I expect your good and prompt reply so that we can proceed swiftly. I will need your phone and fax numbers for easier communication with you if I am unable to access my emails.
 
Best Regards,
 
Mrs Rashidat Meyer

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