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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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Fraud email example:

From: "mrs .m.marteiz." <promotionlottery@netscape.net>
Date: Thu, 24 Mar 2005 19:45:15 +0100
Subject: WINING NOTIFICATION


FROM:SUNSWEETWIN/PRIZE AWARD DEPT.
REF: SUN/2010-968091/03
BATCH: 54/010/IPD
DATE 24/03/2005
WINNING CONFIRMATION NOTICE
We are glad to inform you that your E-mail address appears as the
confirmed Winner of our last SUNSWEETWIN email lottery program held on
the 23rd march 2005
Your e-mail address attached to ticket number 20675543256-786 with
Serial number 3765-75 drew lucky numbers 7-12-18-24-32-45, which
Consequently won in the 2nd category, you have therefore been
approved For a lump sum payment of Eight hundred thousand united state
dollars(US$800,000,00). CONGRATULATIONS!!!
This promotional program takes place every year. All participants were
selected through a computer ballot system drawn from over 100,000
companies and 50,000, 000 individual email addresses and names from all
over the world.
In order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications please remember
to quote your reference number and batch numbers in all
correspondence.We ask that you keep your winning information
confidential until your claims has been processed and your money
remitted to you. Remember all winnings must be claimed not later than
30TH of april. 2005. After this date all unclaimed funds will be
included in the next stake.
To file for your claim or for further details, please contact our agent
MR.F James at promotionlottey@netscape.net In respect of our commitment
towards helping the less previledge, we ask that you voluntarily
contribute 1% of your Global winnings to any charity organization you
desire at your convinience.
Congratulations once more from our members of staff.
Mrs. m.martiez
Global Winning co-ordinator.


Anti-fraud resources: