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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: "GLOBAL LOTTERY" <steveclaimstexfw@netscape.net>
Date: Fri, 03 Jun 2005 01:54:36 -0500
Subject: AWARD NOTIFICATION

MICRO INTERNATIONAL LOTTERY PROMOTION.
FROM: THE DESK OF THE MANAGING DIRECTOR
MICRO.L.INTERNATIONAL/PRIZE AWARD DEPT
REFYL/26510460037/02. BATCH: 24/00319/IPD.
ATTN: CEO,
Sir/Madam,
We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners International programs held on the 06/06/2005. Your e-mail address attached to ticket number 653164251591-6011 with serial number 7321 410,batch number24/00319/IPD,lottery ref number AILP/26510460037/02 and drew lucky number 4-9-17-36-44-78 which consequently won in the 1st category, you have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out of , 900.000.00 euros (Nine Hundred Thousand Euros )only.
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Due to mix up of some numbers and names, we ask that you keep your winning information confidential until your claims have been processed and your money remitted to you. This is part of our security protocol to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of this program by some participants. All participants were selected through a computer ballot system drawn from over 40,000 company and 100,000,000 individual email addresses and names from all over the world. This promotional program takes place every year. This lottery was promoted and sponsored by Association of software producers. we hope that with part of your winning, you will take part in our next year 1 Million Euros International Lottery Promotion.
To file for your claim, please contact our Claims Officer, (Dr. TOM HARD) CROSSATLANTIC SECURITY B.V. THE NEIDERLANDS. Email:crossatlantic5@netscape.net
Phone: 0031-615-681-931.
Remember, all winning must be claimed not later than TWO WEEKS. After this all unclaimed funds will be included in the next stake.
Please note in order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications please remember to quote your reference number and batch numbers in all correspondence.
Furthermore, should there be any change of address do inform our office as soon as possible. Congratulations once more from our members of staff and thank you for being part of our promotional program.
Note: Anybody under the age of 18 is automatically disqualified.
Yours Sincerely,
Mrs. Stephanie Brown.
For: Paul Hans
Lottery Coordinator


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