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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 about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Heritage Lottery International" <richardsmith_06@msn.com>
Date: Fri, 24 Feb 2006 09:14:35 +0000
Subject: ELECTRONIC MAIL AWARD WINNING NOTIFICATION(Contact Your Claims Agent)

HERITAGE LOTTERY INTERNATIONAL
HEADQUARTERSUNITED KINGDOM.
P.O Box 1103
Asbury Street, Creek Road, Deptford, London SE8
Tel:+44(0)702 305 3577   
GAMBLING BOARD OF GREAT BRITAIN
LICENSED. ONLINE BALLOT LOTTERY
(Registration 70339411).
REGISTERED UNDER THE DATA PROTECTION ACT.
REF NO: HLP/200-26937
BATCH: 2005MJL-01

 
ELECTRONIC MAIL AWARD WINNING NOTIFICATION. AWARD PRESENTATION CENTER: UNITED KINGDOM
(No ticket sold)
We are pleased to inform you of the announcement today of winners of the HERITAGE MEGA JACKPOT LOTTERY WINNINGS PROGRAMS held on 24th,February 2006.Your company or your personal e-mail address, is attached to winning number 12-14-16-35-40-24, With serial number s/N-12678,consequently won in the sixth lottery category.
 
You are therefore been approved for lump sums pay out of GBP £5,500,000.00 POUNDS in cash Credited to file REF NO: HLP/200-26937 and winning number 12-14-16-35-40-24 , this is from total prize money of GBP £ 27,500,000.00 POUNDS,shared among the Twenty (5) international winners in this category.
 
All participants were selected through our Microsoft computer ballot system drawn form 21,000 Names, 3,000 names from each continent, as part of International "E-MAIL" Promotions Program, for the Continues use of E-mail.
 
The Heritage Lottery Promotions International UK (HLP) was set up by Parliament in 1994 to give grants to a wide range of projects involving the local, regional and national heritage of the United Kingdom. We distribute a share of the money raised by the National Lottery for Good Causes.
 
Your funds has been insured with your REF NO: HLP/200-26937 and winning number 12-14-16-35-40-24. Your E-mail address should be used in all correspondence with your claims officer,Please note that, you are to contact your claims officer immediately,as we have already spelled out to you  the necessary procedures on how to claim Your prize.
 
To claim your winning prize, you must first contact the operations department by email for processing and remittance of your prize money to you.The claims officer contact email is:
 
Name: Mr.Stephen Boyce
Email:
claimscordinator@netscape.net
Tel:+4470240703539
 

Remember, all prize money must be claimed not later than the 14th March, 2006. All f unds not Claimed on or before the fixed date will be penalized accordingly. Do email the above email addresses.
 
Our winners are assured of the utmost standards of confidentiality, and press anonymity until the end of proceedings, and beyond where they so desire. Be further advised to maintain the strictest level of confidentiality until the end of proceedings to circumvent problems associated with fraudulent claims. This is part of our precautionary measure to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of this program.
 
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
 
At your disposal, we remain.
Very Truly Yours,
 
Mrs.Richard Smith.
 
NOTE: Do not reply this mail. You are to contact your claims officer immediately by email.
 

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