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

Fraud email example:

From: "BMW ONLINE GAMMING" <claims_dept_3@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 10 May 2007 21:41:31 -0600
Subject: WINNING NOTIFICATION

The National Lottery
Tolpits Lane
Watford, Herts
WD18 9RN
UNITED KINGDOM
Ref: UK/9420X2/68
Batch: 074/05/ZY369

Dear Lucky Winner,
 
RE: BONUS LOTTERY PROMOTION PRIZE AWARDS WINNING NOTIFICATION
 
We are please to notify you of the result of our computer draw (#1187) of the UK NATIONAL LOTTERY Online Sweepstakes International Lottery Program held on  5 May 07. Our Computer draw (#1187) selected your name and email address attached to electronic-ticket number: 56475600545 188 with Serial number 5368/02 which drew the lucky numbers: 08-09-19-34-47-04, which subsequently won you the lottery in the 2nd category, that is Match 5 plus bonus. You can visit our online web result checker
http://www.national-lottery.co.uk/player/p/results/winCheck/winCheckerStart.do
to verify your prize online with your numbers: 08-09-19-34-47-04. You have therefore been approved to claim a total sum of One Hundred and Thirty One Thousand, One Hundred and Thirty Six British Pounds Sterling (£131,136) in cheque credited to file KTU/9023118308/03 upon verification.
 
In order to claim your winnings you are to send the following information:
1) Draw Number
2) Serial Number     
3) Lucky Numbers4) Amount won
5) Full Names
6) Sex
7) Age
8) Country(where you live)
to Our European agent who will immediately commence the process to facilitate the release of your funds as soon as you contact him. You may wish to establish contact via e-mail with the contact information below for quick verifications and release of funds.
 
Overseas Claims Unit
United Kingdom Lottery Fiduciary
Contact Person: Mr Gerald Kyle
Email:
claims_kyle@yahoo.com
Tel: +447031966065 / +447031822158
Fax: +448704799693 / +448704799698
 
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
At your disposal, we remain.
Very Truly Yours,
Mr. Hollis Brian
The National Lottery
Tolpits Lane
Watford, Herts
WD18 9RN
UNITED KINGDOM


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