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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: "Mr. Paul Smith" <paulsmith.smith115@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2022 06:41:31 -0600
Subject: ...claim!

Dear,

I am Paul smith , Legal practitioner, and partner at Mendoza &
Associates in Spain. I am contacting you regarding a deceased client
who died in Spain in March 20011. He was a prominent client of mine
who happens to share the same SURNAME with you.
Before his death, he made multiple deposits that summed up to $22
million in a financial institution in Spain. Documentation regarding
these transactions indicates that claims can only be made by his
relative/next of kin. Unfortunately, he died intestate, leaving the
monies. All efforts made revealed no link to any of his family
members.
The financial institution has mandated that I bring a relative or
next of kin to claim the funds within some time limit. Failure to
respond to the ultimatum would legally allow the financial institution
to report such funds to the Bank of Spain as an unclaimed estate
(eventually sending the funds straight to the Government´s purse).
Therefore, I have put in place all requirements concerning the release
of these funds. Consequently, I intend to present you with this rare
opportunity and to have you stand as the beneficiary since you share
the same surname with the deceased. Please note that I have all the
legal tools and necessary information/documentation regarding these
funds.
Upon your acceptance to cooperate, we shall discuss an investment
plan. For confidentiality and security purposes, I strongly recommend
that you should reply to this email. After you get in touch with your
contact details, I shall inform you further.
In conclusion, it’s my utmost concern to demand your ultimate honesty,
cooperation, and confidentiality. I have ENSURED I will execute the
process under a legitimate arrangement that will legally protect you
from any breach of law.

Sincerely,
Paul Smith
paulsmith.smith115@gmail.com

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