What is an “advance fee fraud”?

The key word here is “fee”.  Of course the other key words are “advance” and “fraud”.  Basically, it’s a fraud that tells you that you need to pay a fee in advance.  Makes perfect sense, right?  Need a loan?  Pay us the processing fees first, then you can have it.  Found true love?  Cough up the fees for her to travel with you, then she’ll do it.  Won a lottery you didn’t enter?  Give us the admin fees before we can release it to you.    Someone offering you a share in Saddam’s millions?  We need a fee to help grease some palms first.  Simple isn’t it?