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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: "elgunalottery5" <elgunalottery5@netscape.net> (may be fake)
Date: Sun, 7 Aug 2005 05:20:47 +0200
Subject: HELLO

PLAZA DE COLON E Nº 11, ED- 4 , 08023
MADRID ESPAÑA.
FROM: THE DESK OF THE VICE PRESIDENT.
INTERNATIONAL PROMOTIONS/PRIZE AWARD DEPT.
REF NO: EGSS/2551256003/02
BATCH NO: 0017/IPD/02
6TH AUSGUST 2005
ATTENTION: SIR/MA

RE: AWARD NOTIFICATION, FINAL NOTICE.

We are pleased to inform you of the release of the results of EL GUNA SPANISH SWEEPSTAKE LOTTERY INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM held on the 20th JUNE 2005

Your e-mail address attached to ticket number 025-11464992-750 with serial number 2113-05 drew the lucky numbers 3-11-25-34-43-44 which consequently won the lottery in the 3rd category.

You have therefore been approved for a lump sum payout of € 815,310.00 (EIGHT HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED AND TEN EUROS ONLY. ) in cash credited to file REF NO:EGSS/2551256003/02. This is from a total cash prize of (€13.860.270) shared among the seventeen international winners in this 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 25,000 companies and 30,000,000 individuals email addresses and names from all over the world, e.g Asia, Australia, Newzealand, Europe, U.S.A, Africa, as part of our international promotions program which we conduct once every year . This lottery was promoted and sponsored by eminent personalities e.g Mr Bill Gates and the Sultan of Brunei, . We hope that with a part of your prize , you will take part in 2004 end of year highstake € 15.300.000-/ Million International lottery.

To file for your claim, please contact our fiducially Agent, Mr Carlos Pavic , Foreign Operations Manager to El- Guna Lotteries on elguna_lottery@excite.com <http://mail.yahoo.com/config/login?/ym/Compose?To=elguna_lottery@excite.com> For processing and remittance of your woned prize to a designated account of your choice. Due to the mix up of some numbers and names, we ask that you keep this award strictly from public notice until your claim has been processed and your winning remitted to your account.

Remember, all prize money must be claim not later than 30th JULY,2005 . After this date unclaimed funds will be returned to the MINISTERIO DE ECONOMIA Y HACIENDA.

NOTE: In order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications, please remember to quote your reference and batch numbers in every correspondence with us or your claim agent .Furthermore, should there be any change of your address, do inform your claims agent as soon as possible .

Congratulations once again from all members of our staff and thank you for being a part of our promotional program.

Note: Any individual under the age of 18 is automatically disqualified.

Yours Sincerely,
Mr. FERNADO FERNADEZ
Vice President


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