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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: "CLAIM INFORMATION" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <johnsonvaleri@luckymail.com>
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 03:05:47 +0200
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS !!! {YOUR EMAIL WON Batch No:WNTO/7416/VA/ES}

YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS WON THE LOTTERY.

Sir/Madam,

We congratulate you over your email success in our computer balloting (Sweepstakes) held on Friday 7th of August, 2009. This is a Millennium Scientific Computer Game in which email addresses were used, your winning Ticket No is: 07-13-31.54-640, Ref No.ES/037/11/06/MD, Batch No:WNTO/7416/VA/ES and Serial No:MUOTI/82536. It is a promotional program aimed at encouraging internet users; therefore you do not need to buy ticket to enter for it. You have been approved for the star prize of 1,000,000.00 (One Million Euros Only).

To claim your winning prize, you are to contact the appointed claim agent as soon as possible with your Name, Age, Nationality and Telephone number.

Ms.Valeri Johnson.
DIRECT SEGUROS AGENCIA S.L.
Mario Cabre Sin Numero, 28016,
Madrid - Spain.
E-mails: johnsonvaleri@luckymail.com

Tel: 0034-672593808.

Note: You are advised to keep this winning very confidential until you receive your lump prize in your account or optional cheque issuance to you. This is a protective measure put in place to avoid people applying for your winning fund, as we have had cases like this before.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to whom it is addressed. Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying is strictly prohibited. The sender accepts no liability for the improper transmission of this communication nor for any delay in its receipt

Regards,
Mrs. Helen Gomez.

Anti-fraud resources: