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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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Fraud email example:

From: "EURO LOTTERY" <vinadebayo@msn.com>
Reply-To: lottoeuro2005@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Sat, 03 Dec 2005 08:42:12 +0000
Subject: ACCEPT MY CONGRATULATIONS.

EURO INTERNATIONAL LOTTERY
12 BRIDGE STREET,
STAINES MIDDLESEX TW18 4TP UK
UNITED KINGDOM
Dear Sir/Madam
This is to inform you that you have been selected for a cash prize of
500.000.00 (FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND GREAT BRITISH POUNDS) International
lottery programs held on Thursday December 1st 2005 in London(United
kingdom).
The selection process was carried out through random selection in our
computerized email selection system(ESS) from a database of over 250,000
email addresses of Individuals and company's drawn from all the continents
of the world.
This Lottery is approved by the British Gaming Board and also Licensed by
the The International Association of Gaming Regulators(IAGR). This
promotional lottery is the tenth of its kind.
Respond quickly BY RETURN MAIL to this email to commence the processing of
your prize claim.
Accept my hearty congratulations once again!
Regards
Mrs Susan A. Hart
Director Gen. of promotions


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