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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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Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: MRS.ROSA M.LUIS <worldwielotto@terra.com.mx>
Reply-To: megaclaimcenter@netscape.net
Date: Sun, 20 Aug 2006 22:41:11 +0200
Subject: YOUR EMAIL ID DRAWS WINNING


ONLAE LOTTERY INTERNATIONAL/ WORLDWIDE PROMOTION/PRIZE AWARD
SPAIN

REFF: IPA/8273/64/19/98
BATCH: 23/146/IPD/ESP
www.onlae.com
Dear Winner,
We are pleased to inform you of the result of the of the Onlae Lottery International / Worldwide Promotion programs held on the 18th of Aug, 2006. Your personal or Company E-mail Address attached to ticket number 523702214/188 with game Number 38527 drew lucky numbers 11, 18, 23,36,48,65 which consequently won. You have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out of 1.000.000, 00 Eur (One Million Euro)
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
All participants were selected through a computer ballot system drawn from over 100.000.00 Companies and individual email addresses and names from Middle East, Asia, Africa, Canada, Europe North and South America, Oceania and around the world.
To file for your claim, please contact our fiduciary agent:

MR. CHARLES GILBERT
MEGA CLAIM CENTER, S.L
TET: + 3 4605 535 337
FAX: +3 4 940463439
Email: megaclaimcenter@netscape.net

Due to mix up of some numbers and names, we ask that you keep your Winning information confidential until your claims have been processed. This is part of our security protocol to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of this program by some participant.
Please, note that you will be required to pay for the issuance of your winning certificate. Be notifying also that all winnings must be claimed not later than 29th Sep, 2006. After this date all unclaimed winnings will be null and void. In order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications remember to quote your reference number and batch numbers in all correspondence.

Furthermore, should there be any change of address do inform our agents as soon as possible. Congratulations once more and thank you for being part of our promotional program. Note: Anybody under the age of 18 is automatically disqualified.

Sincerely yours,
Mrs. Rosa M. Luis
Winning Co -coordinator

Anti-fraud resources: