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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: "Microsoft Email Lottery" <mel_winners@msn.com>
Date: Sat, 29 Oct 2005 13:14:13 +0000
Subject: you have won!!!us$750.000.00

MICROSOFT EMAIL LOTTERY INTERNATIONAL.
FROM:THE DESK OF THE VICE PRESIDENT.
INTERNATIONAL PROMOTIONS/PRIZE AWARD.
 
FINAL WINNING NOTIFICATION,
 
Attn,
Winner,

This is to inform you of the release of the MICROSOFT EMAIL LOTTERY INTERNATIONAL/ WORLD GAMING BOARD held on the 24th Octobber 2005 Due to the mix up of umbers, the results were released on the 29th  October 2005. Your name attached to ticket666/09/pr also with with drew the lucky numbers of 7-9-2-8 which consequently won the lottery in the 1st category. You have herefore been approved for payment SEVEN HUNDRE AND FIFTY THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS ONLY.( US$750,000.00 ) cash credited to file with REF. NO.633/98/401,SERIAL NO:638/6Y33,BATCH NO:93NBMC666.
 
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 curity protocol to  avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of this program by some  paticipants.All patiicipants were selected through a computer ballot  system drawn from only Microsoft users from over 20,000 company, and 3,000,000 individual email addresses and names from all over the world.This promotional program takes place every three years. For your processing of your claim please contact our fudicial agent in the legaldepartment.
 
Mr. Paul Smith

TEL:0031-615-223-119
FAX:0031-847-300-660
Email:mailpaulsmith2@netscape.net

MICROSOFT EMAIL LOTTERY INTER.
 
processing and remittance of your winning prize money to a destination of your choice.Any claim not made befor 19th November this day will be returned to the MINISTERIAL VAN DE ECONOMIA NETHERLANDS. Note that all unclaimed funds will be included in the next stake.
 
Also in order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications, remember to quote your reference number and batch numbers in all your correspondence with Mr.Paul Smith.
 
Please follow all his instructions.Furthermore, should there be any change  of address do inform us as quickly 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,

Sandra Blaze Hoornbeck
Vice President
MICROSOFT EMAIL LOTTERY INTER.
 

 

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