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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: "O2-Telefonica UK Plc." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <telecoms.claims@live.co.uk>
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:18:34 -0000
Subject: Congrates! From O2-Telefonica UK.

O2-Telefonica London Plc.
10 Great Pulteney Street,
London,W1F 9NB
United Kingdom.
(Customer Services).
 
This is to inform you that you have been selected for a cash prize of £ 550,000.00GBP in the O2-Telecommunication International Lottery  2010 new year promo.
 
To Claim, fill the Winner Application form of payment below and send it to your Claims Agent at the below contact as well.
 
Name: Rev Kenneth Lawson
E-mail: telecoms.claims@live.co.uk
Phone :: +44 7024077630
 
      WINNER APPLICATION FORM OF PAYMENT:
 
(1)FULL NAME:........
(2)ADDRESS:...........
(3)AGE/SEX...........
(4)NATIONALITY........
(5)OCCUPATION........ PHONE..............
 
Dr.Graham Turner
Head Customer care Service.
O2-UK Promotion Award Team.

Anti-fraud resources: