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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: "mrs.m.martiez" <lotto174promo@netscape.net>
Date: Fri, 14 Oct 2005 17:07:45 +0200
Subject: Congratulation


FROM:SUNSWEETWIN/PRIZE AWARD DEPT.
REF: SUN/2010-968091/03
BATCH: 54/010/IPD
DATE 14/10/2005
WINNING CONFIRMATION NOTICE
We are glad to inform you that your E-mail address appears as the confirmed
Winner of our last SUNSWEETWIN email lottery program held on the 11 of
October 2005 .
Your e-mail address attached to ticket number 20675543256-786 with Serial
number 4765-75 drew lucky numbers 8-12-18-24-32-45, which Consequently won
in the 2nd category, you have therefore been approved For a lump sum payment
of Eight hundred thousand united state dollars(US$800,000,00).
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
This promotional program takes place every year. All participants were
selected through a computer ballot system drawn from over 100,000 companies
and 50,000, 000 individual email addresses and names from all over the
world.
In order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications please remember to
quote your reference number and batch numbers in all correspondence.We ask
that you keep your winning information confidential until your claims has
been processed and your money remitted to you. Remember all winnings must be
claimed not later than 31th October. After this date all unclaimed funds
will be included in the next stake.
To file for your claim or for further details, please contact our agent.
MR. F. James at lotto174promo@netscape.net In respect of our commitment
towards helping the less previledge, we ask that you voluntarily contribute
1% of your Global winnings to any charity organization you desire at your
convinience.
Congratulations once more from our members of staff.
Mrs. m.martiez


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