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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: Elizabeth Edward <mrsedithahmed119@gmail.com>
Reply-To: helenkarl815@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 24 Mar 2023 23:09:52 +0100
Subject: CAN YOU HELP ME?


--


Please forgive me for stressing you with my predicaments as I know that
this letter may come to you as a big surprise.
Meanwhile, I am Madam Elizabeth Edward, 73 years, am from USA, childless. I
am suffering from adenocarcinoma Cancer of the lungs for the past 8 years
and from all indication my condition is really deteriorating as my doctors
have confirmed and courageously advised me that I may not live beyond 4
weeks from now for the reason that the tumor has reached a critical stage
which has defiled all forms of medical treatment.
Since my days are numbered, I’ve decided willingly to fulfill my long-time
vow to donate to the less privileged in at least 5 poorest countries around
the world, the sum of ($18.5M). I have tried to handle this project by
myself when I get better but I have seen that my health could not allow me
to do so anymore.
If you are interested in running a charity project for the interest of the
poor I will like you to introduce yourself to me including your identity
card and your project opinion.
And I will introduce you to my account officer for the transfer.
Best Regards!
Elizabeth Edward

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