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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.Janet Klaus <mrsjanetklaus@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 20 Nov 2006 13:24:04 +0100
Subject: Important Message!


Dearly,

With due honour and respect I write unbehalf of our Corporation to inform you that your email address was among one of the lucky addresses approved by Microsoft Annual Lottery Scheme that is nominated for an award of US$4.5 million dollars as part of a program designed privately to encourage internet use and enhance more public awareness in terms of the state of our world today.
As a matter of fact,I was nominated to stand as your agent and prepare your file which consist of all your datas to avoid double claim and protect impersonation.Before i proceed further,let me start first by introducing myself,my name is Eng.Jacob Shaman,a professor in computer engineering,i work for Microsoft Corporation Int'l, and have been appointed to investigate and submit your files back to our headquarters to proceed with the claim of your funds as a winner.I was called upon from the Middle East with numerous number of clients to handle in regards to this program.
Therefore,be informed that this is strictly a legitimate program as such we advice that you adhere strictly to our terms and services to avoid publicity until your funds is wired into your choosen account.For now i want you to reply back in confirmation.To file for your claim, please contact our fiduciary agent via email:jacshaman@luxmail.com or tel:+4916092220690 with the following vital information:
Full Names:...................................................................
Physical Address:......................................................
Nationality:............................... City............................

Profession:...................................................................
Company...................................................
Age:...............................................................................
Sex:..............................................................................
Marital status:..........................................................
Your email address..................................................
Amount won:............................................................
Phone number{land/mobile}:............................
With the above information we can commence the process of your funds remittance.
For security reasons, you are advised to keep your winning information confidential till your claim is processed and your money remitted to you in whatever manner you deem fit to claim your prize.This is part of our precautionary measure to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of this program.Please be warned!!

Once again congratulations from the entire staff of the Microsoft Corporation Int'l.

Warm regards,
Mrs.Janet Kurt.
Online cordinator for Microsoft Int'l.Germany
COPYRIGHT © 2006 ALL RIGHT RESERVED

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