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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: Lee Simon <mailsimonlee@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Mon, 5 Feb 2007 21:16:17 +0800 (CST)
Subject: CONTACT THE COURIER COMPANY


FREE LOTTERY INTERNATIONAL PROMOTION
PROMOTIONS/PRIZE AWARD DEPT
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM.
ADDRESS: 74 CRANBOUNE ROAD LONDON.
UNITED KINGDOM



Attn:Dear Winner,


This is to formally inform you that after the verification process conducted on your duly completed Prize Verification Form, I wish to inform you that the Administrative department has just approved and referred your claim file to our affiliate company, Trade World Courier Service so that your Prize Winning Certificate and Cheques can be sent to you by postal mail but you shall bear the cost of courier delivery of your cheque and Prize Winning Certificate.

So in the light of the above explanation, I wish to inform you that you are to immediately contact Trade World Courier Service with the following details below:
CONTACT PERSON: WILLIAM SCOT
COMPANY: TRADE WORLD COURIER SERVICE
TEL: +447040121688
EMAIL: trade_worldcourierserviceuk@yahoo.co.uk
cc: tradeworld_courier@deliveryman.com
It is necessary that you formally notify them that you want the courier firm to deliver your cheque winnings along with the winnings certificate,and what it will cost you.for it be delivered to you. Alternatively, you can come personally to our office to physically process and receive your prize.


Note that it is necessary that you update us on developments with regards to the courier firm,be sure to give the address you want the parcel delivered to.
Congratulations once more.


Sincerely,
Simon Lee.


_______________________________________
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http://messenger.yahoo.com.hk

Anti-fraud resources: