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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: "FABIAN GEROLT" <fabian_gerolt@msn.com>
Date: Sun, 14 Aug 2005 18:25:01 +0000
Subject: CONFIRMATION OF WINNING (CONGRATULATIONS)

INTERNATIONAL/PRIZE AWARD DEPT
REF:PL2/209318/09
BATCH:18/103/HME.
Attn:
We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners
International programs held on the 11th june, 2005. Your e-mail address
attached to ticket number 436425795822-5022 with serial number
6614102,batch
number 8561513507,lottery ref number 7675213911 and drew lucky numbers
7-9-4-17-34-44 which consequently won in the 1st category, you have
therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out of US$1.500,000.00 (0NE
MILLION FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND 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 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. we hope
with
part of your winning,you will take part in our next year US$20 million
international lottery. To file for your claim, please contact our
fiducial
agent:
==============================================================
fabian gerolt
GULF ATLANTIC SA .
Amsterdam Netherlands.
Email:fabian1f@excite.com
Tel: +316 2667 2428
==============================================================
Remember, all winning must be claimed not later than 29th october,
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,
John Smith.
Lottery Coordinator.



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