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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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Please note about this email:

Fraud email example:

From: "BRITISH INTERNATIONAL LOTTERY NOTIFICATION DESK" <info@british-web-online.net>
Date: Tue, 29 Nov 2005 03:23:10 +0000
Subject: Pls Reply Immediately.

Euro Sweepstake International.
Monomark House.
12, Bridge Street,
Staines Middlesex,
London,
TW18 4TP.
United Kingdom.
 
 ATTN:Dear Sir/Madam,
 
     We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners International program held on the 23rd of November, 2005. Your e-mail address attached to ticket number: ES-23133 with serial number: ES-123542, batch number: 12/25/0304, lottery reference number: ESI/491OXI/04 and drew lucky numbers 7-1-8-36-4-22 which consequently won in the 1st category,  therefore, you have been approved for a lump sum pay of  2,037,190.76 EURO.
 
 
 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 a group of successful electronic dealers.We hope with part of your winning,you will take part in our next year's 15,942,669.39 EUR International Lottery.
To file for your claim, please contact our paying officer:
 
Contact Person: Kelvin Smith (Lottery Director)
            Phone: +44 (0) 70 3194 1355
              Email: euromillions@uk2.net
 
     Remember, all winning must be claimed not later than 22nd of December, 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,
Linda Johnson.
 
 
 
 
 
IMPORTANT NOTICE:   This message is intended only for the addressee and
may contain confidential, privileged information.  If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, copy or disclose any information contained in the message.  If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender via e-mail and delete the message. 
 
 

 

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