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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.

 

 

Fraud email example:

From: famouswinner2@handbag.com
Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2005 19:35:30 +0100
Subject: CATEGORY*1*WINNERS FINAL NOTIFICATION.

ACCREDITED LICENSED AGENT MR.JOE WEST. FAMOUS CULTURE LOTTERY AGENCY,
Ref. Number: 7ZQ/P56/414N
Batch Number:K54890137-846H

Sir/Madam,

We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners International
programs held on the 14th April, 2005. Your e-mail
address attached to ticket number ML511465892-6410 with serial number 5S82-517
drew lucky numbers PR-5-G8-23-21-4P which consequently won in the 1st category,you
have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out of US$ 1000,000.00(one
million United States Dollars)

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 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
software, 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. JOE WEST,
FAMOUS CULTURE LOTTERY AGENCY.
Tel: 0032485129514
EMAIL:famousculture5@netscape.net

Remember, all winning must be claimed not later than 21st of July, 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.

Yours Sincerely
Mrs. Rita Hamilton.
Lottery Coordinator.

___________________________________________________________

Book yourself something to look forward to in 2005.
Cheap flights - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/travel/flights/
Bargain holidays - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/travel/holidays/





___________________________________________________________

Book yourself something to look forward to in 2005.
Cheap flights - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/travel/flights/
Bargain holidays - http://www.tiscali.co.uk/travel/holidays/




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