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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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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "uk lottery" <uklotterywinners23@msn.com>
Date: Sun, 09 Oct 2005 17:28:24 +0000
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE WON US$500,000.00.

EASYGAME LOTTERY AGENCY
Ref. Number: 73/116/181-11
Batch Number:60219-88345223-NP
                        
                          INTERNATIONAL PRIZE/AWARD DEPARTMENT
                         **************************************
REPLY TO THESE EMAIL ADDRESSES: infoeasygame@netscape.net and morriscollins@rock.com
Attn: Winner,
We happily announce to you the draw of the Easygame Lottery International programs held on the 7th of October, 2005. Your e-mail address attached to ticket number: 232-9112444772 with Serial number JN322/15 drew the lucky numbers:38-26-16-94-13-11, which subsequently won you the lottery in the 1st category. You have therefore been approved to claim a total sum of US$500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars).
All participants were selected randomly from World Wide Web site through computer draw system and extracted from over 100,000 companies.For security reasons, you are advised to keep your winning information confidential till your claims is processed and your money remitted to your account.
This is part of our precautionary measure to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of this program by some unscrupulous elements.Please be warned.
To file for your claim, pleasecontact our fiducial Agent:
**********************************************************
Name: Mr. Morris Collins
Email Addresses: infoeasygame@netscape.net and morriscollins@rock.com
Telephone: 0031-621-548-520
***********************************************************
Our fiducial agent will immediately commence the process to facilitate the release of your funds as soon as you contact him.This promotion was organised by some eminent personalities from all over the world to promote software companies and it takes place annually.
Please remember that all winning must be processed not later than 30th of October 2005 or when authentic proof is given for the delay of filing your winning claim.
To avoid unnecessary delays and complications, please quote your full names,your country, your private Telephone and fax number, your reference/batch numbers etc in any correspondences with us or our designated agent.
Congratulations once more from all members and staffs of this program and also thank you for being part of our promotional lottery program.
Note: Anybody under the age of 18 is automatically disqualified.
Sincerely Yours,
Mrs. Gloria Galloway.
Lottery Co-ordinator .
REPLY TO THESE EMAIL ADDRESSES: infoeasygame@netscape.net and morriscollins@rock.com
 

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