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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 Rossi Edward" <johnwill@netscape.net> (may be fake)
Reply-To: globone@netscape.net
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 2006 01.48.17 +0200
Subject:

GLOBAL LOTTERY INTERNATIONAL
VIA CAVOUR 136.44100
FERRARA, ITALIA.
TEL:0039-6133667121
FAX:00318-475-420-83
Ref. Number: 132/756/4107
Batch Number: 538901537-BB67
Sir/Madam
We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners
International programs held on the 8th of JUNE. 2005. Your E-mail address
attached to ticket number 27511465895-6410 with serial number 3772-510 drew lucky numbers 7-14-88-23-21-45 which consequently won in the 1st category,you have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out of
US$ 1,000,000.00(ONE MILLION DOLLARS)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 20,000 company and 30,000,000 individual Email addresses and names from all over the world. This promotional program takes place every three years.This lottery was promoted and sponsored by Presidents of the World Largest softwares, we hope with part of your winning you will take part in our next year USD50 million international lottery. To file for your claim, please contact our FIDUCIAL Agent Mr. Van Choice. of the GLOBAL FINANCE AND TRUST AGENCY.
FAX: 00318-475-420-83
TEL: 0039 338-350-9830
EMAIL: globone@netscape.net
Remember, all winning must be claimed not later than 20th 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: Anybody under the age of 18 is automatically disqualified.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs Rossi Edward.
Lottery Coordinator.


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