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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: "Jackson Maraim" <admin_mariam55@msn.com>
Date: Fri, 06 Jan 2006 12:43:01 +0000
Subject: WINNING NOTIFICATION

BRITISH LOTTERY HEADQUARTERS:
CUSTOMER SERVICE,
*******************************************
28 TANFIELD ROAD,CROYDON. LONDON
*******************************************

Ref: KPC/9080118308/02/TCA
Batch: 12/25/0034

 
ATTN: WINNING NOTIFICATION
 
We happily announce to you the draw of the British Lottery International programs held on the 5th of Dec , 2005 in London. Your e-mail address attached to ticket number:564 75600545 188 with Serial number 5388/02 drew the lucky numbers:31-6-26-13-35-7, which subsequently won you the lottery in the 2nd category. You have therefore been approved to claim a total sum of GBP 2,500,000.00 (Two million, Five hundred thousand, British Pounds) in cash credited to file KPC/9080118308/02/TCA. This is from a total cash prize of GBP 75,000,000.00 (Seventy Five Million British Pounds shared amongst the first fifty (50) lucky winners in this grand category "B".
 
This year Lottery Program Jackpot is the largest ever for British Lottery. The estimated GBP 75 Million jackpot would bethe sixth-biggest in U.K. history. The biggest was the GBP 363 Million jackpot that went to two winners in January 2004 drawing of The Big Game Mega Millions' predecessor.
Please note that your lucky winning number falls within our European booklet representative office in Europe as indicated in ourplay coupon. In view of this, your GBP 2,500,000.00 (Two Million, Five Hundred Thousand, British Pounds) would be transferred to your designated Bank account. Our approved agent will immediately commence on the processing of your claims, to facilitate the release of your funds to you as soon as you make contact with them.
All participants were selected randomly from 'World Wide Web' site through computer draw system and extracted from over 100,000 companies.
 
This promotion takes place annually. For security reasons,you are advised to keep your winning information confidential till your claims is processed and your money remitted to you as required in this grand category "B". This is a part of our precautionary measure to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of this program by some unscrupulous elements.
Please be warned. To file for your claim, kindly contact our fiduciary agent with the below details for processing of your claims.
******************************************************************
Name: Mr. Alfred Atkins.
E-mail: admin55@walla.com
Tel:   +447031921128 +447031926955
Foreign Services Manager, Payment and Release order
Department, TRANS-ATLANTIC S.A LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
******************************************************************
Note that all claims process and clearance procedures must be duly completed early to avoid impersonation arising to the issue of double claiming.
To avoid unnecessary delays and complications, please quote your reference/batch numbers in any correspondences with us or our designated agent.
Congratulations once more from all members and staffs of
this program.
Yours faithfully,
Mrs. Mariam Jackson.
Online Lottery Co-ordinator

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