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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: "brad thompson" <euromillionclaim_dpt@rediffmail.com>
Date: 20 Nov 2006 17:46:12 -0000
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!


CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!
&nbsp;We wish to congratulate you over your email success in our computer balloting sweepstake held on 4th October 2006. This is a millennium scientific computer game in which email addresses were used. It is a promotional program aimed at encouraging internet users; therefore you do not need to buy ticket to enter for it. You have been approve f or the star prize of 1,000,000 Euro. (One MillionEuro Only)
To claim your winning prize you are to contact the appointed agent as soon as possible for the immediate release of your winnings:
Mr.Brad Thompson.E-mail:euromillionclaim_dpt@yahoo.co.uk
You must contact the appointed agent via email with your claim verification form below.
CLAIM VERIFICATION FORM
1. FULL NAMES: _______________________________2. ADDRESS: __________________________________3. SEX: _______________4. AGE: ________5. MARITAL STATUS: ___________________6. OCCUPATION: _______________________7. E-MAIL ADDRESS: ___________________8. TELEPHONE NUMBER: ________________9.COUNTRY__________10. BATCH NUMBER: _______________11. REFRENCE NUMBER: _______________12.AMOUNT WON: ______________________13.IDENTIFICATION EITHER INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT OR DRIVING LICENCE /NATIONAL ID CARD FOR PROPER IDENTIFY
The Validity period of the winnings is for 14 working days hence you are expected to make your claims immediately, any claim not made before this date will be returned to the MINISTERIO DE E CONOMIA Y HACIENDA .
Once again congratulations !!!
Best Regards,
Mr.Brad Thompson.E-mail:euromillionclaim_dpt@yahoo.co.uk
(Group- Coordinator)

Anti-fraud resources: