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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.

 

 

Fraud email example:

From: "Successgate Lottery" <info@success-gateintlott.com>
Date: Tue, 22 Mar 2005 18:12:21 +0000
Subject: URGENT ATTENTION

Dear Sir,

This is to inform you of a new development arising from an extra ordinary
meeting held by the Board of Successgate International Lottery Company.It
was resolved at the meeting that Winners in all Categories,henceforth shall
have their Winnings sent to them via Telegraphic Transfer(T/T).

It was also decided that Winners shall now have their Pay out in one full
istalment rather than the initial arrangement of Four instalments.

This decision was neccesitated by an incidence that took place about two
weeks ago that involved the interception and subsequent drawing of Cheques
belonging to two Winners while on transit.

You are therefore advised to contact immediately the Paying Bank with
information below.

Weatherbys Bank Limited
Sanders Road
Wellingborough
Northamptonshire
NN8 4BX
www.weatherbys-bank.com

Your mail should be directed to Sarah Hawkes,the Head of Customer Service
at:customerservice@weatherbys-bank.com

Note:You must foward to her,Your Bank account details for the purpose of the
Wire Transfer.Your letter also must be accompanied with an attached scanned
copy of your Winning Certificate.

Yours Sincerely,
Mr.Mike Miller
International Lottery (co-coordinator)


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