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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.

 

 

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

Fraud email example:

From: richard sen <richardsen@virgilio.it>
Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2005 22:52:27 -0700
Subject: CONGRATULATION !!! YOU HAVE WON


TRUST LOTTO
VIA NAPOLI 27/29
15-89, 1000 ACUNA
ITALO Branch.
Ref. Nº: ES/004/05/12/IT.
Batch. Nº: GHT/29/444/05.
YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS WON THE LOTTERY.
We wish to congratulate you over your email success in our computer
balloting sweepstake held on 27th October,2005. This is a millennium
scientific computer game in which email addresses were used. It is a promotional
program
aimed at encouraging internet users; therefore you do not need to buy ticket
to enter it.
Your email address attached to ticket star number (4-5) drew the
EUROMILLION lucky numbers 3-19-26-49-50 which consequently won the draw in
the Second category. You have been approve for the star prize of (EUR600,000.00)Six Hundred Thousand Euros and ziro Cents.
CONGRATULATIONS !!!
You are advised to keep this winning very confidential until you
receive your lump prize in your account or optional cheque issuance to you.This
is a protective measure to avoid double claiming by people you may tell as
we have had cases like this before, please send your Full Name,Home and
Office Tel & Fax Number, Mobile Tel Number and your winning ticket
number,reference numbers and amount won information for processing of your
winning fund to
our registered claim agent in addrres below.
WESTERN PAYEE AGENCY
CONTACT: DR Mccall Sean
Direct Tel: +39 320 8758687
FAX:+39 0111 9508348
Email:harry_ndala@katamail.com
Remember, all winning must be claimed not later than 27th November,
2005.Please note, in order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications,
remember to quote your reference number and batch number in all correspondence.
Furthermore, should there be any change of address do inform our agent as
soon as possible. Once again congratulations.
Best regard,
Mrs. ( Stella Lopez ),
Lottery coordinator.
The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity
to whom or which it is addressed. Unauthorised use, disclosure or copying
is strictly prohibited. The sender accepts no liability for the improper.

Anti-fraud resources: