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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.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Grace Bowel" <info@qef.com> (may be fake)
Reply-To: o22011@live.com
Date: Wed, 9 Mar 2011 15:50:15 -0000 (GMT)
Subject: congrat!!!

O2 Money Visa Services,
Nat West PO Box 5747
South end-on-Sea SS1 9AJ,
United Kingdom
TEL: +447017425192
FAX: +447010044389
Ref No: UK/9420X2/68
Batch No: 074/05/ZY369

Dear Lucky Winner,

This is to inform you that your email address was selected for a cash
prize sum of (£350,000.00 Great British Pounds) from o2 Money Visa Card
held on Feb 2011 in London UK Lottery Email Draw.

Claims Agent Name: Mr. Alex

Email: Contact: o22011@live.com

You are to indicate the option suitable for you in releasing of your Funds
by the first and the last option of payment.

1. Visa Grad processing by Bank
2. via Telegraphic Wire Transfer
3. Delivery by Certified Bank Draft

Provide the information below:
(1)Name: (2)Address: (3)Sex/Age: (4)Country:
(5)Occupation: (6) Private Mobile NO: (7) Release Option:

Regards
Grace Bowel
Co-coordinator(Online Promo) Manager

Anti-fraud resources: