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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: "BRITISH INFORMATION DEPT." <deborahcarl@promocordinator.net>
Date: Thu, 09 Jun 2005 20:58:50 +0000
Subject: Customer's Service Center

INTERNATIONAL PROMOTIONS/PRIZE AWARD DEPARTMENT
Macclesfield,United Kingdom.
Customer's Service Center
Ref Number: UK/910/16454
Batch Number: VC/32/ID1141
Dispatch date: 09/06/2005.

Dear Sir/Madam,

We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners
International programs held on the 1/06/2005 in ENGLAND AND WALES. Your
e-mail address attached to ticket number 5224652456UT with serial number
0098/UK0204, batch number VC/32/ID1141,lottery ref number UK/910/16454 and
drew lucky numbers 03-01-15-20-34-33-07 which consequently won in the 2nd
category, you have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out of
US$2.500,000.00 (TWO MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND United States dollars)in
cash credited to file KLTT/KTU/2004ETN.This is from a total cash prize of
US$25 Million dollars, shared amongst the first TEN (10) lucky winners in
this First
category.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Due to mix up of some numbers and names, we ask that you keep your winning
information confidential until your claims has 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 20,000,000 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.
To file for your claim, please contact our fiducial agent:

=======================================================
DR JERRY GRAY
UK NATIONAL INC.
Macclesfield, United Kingdom
Email:drjerrygray@cooperation.net
Mobile:+447040106338
Fax :+448701358211
=======================================================

Remember, all winning in this first category must be claimed not later than
31st of june,2005. After this date 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 agent as
soon as possible.
Congratulations once more from our members of staff and thank you for being
part of our promotional program. Note that you must contact your claims
agent within one week of receipt of this notice.
Note: Anybody under the age of 18 is automatically disqualified.
Sincerely,
MRS.DEBORAH CARL
UK-LOTTO Co-ordinator.
UK N.L Information Service
NOTE: DO NOT REPLY THIS MAIL. YOU ARE TO CONTACT YOUR CLAIMS OFFICER



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