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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: "Wright Jones" <wrightjones@hotmail.co.uk>
Reply-To: dr_wrightjones@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Mon, 3 Sep 2007 14:44:01 +0100
Subject: INTERNATIONAL LOTTERY WINNERS


MEGAFORTUNE EUROMILLIONS INTERNATIONAL
INTERNATIONAL PROMOTION/PRIZE AWARD DEPT.
REF: MLI/231-ILGI0431/04
BATCH: IPD/17/096/PTNL



Sir/Madam, We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners International programs held on the 20th of July 2007. Your e-mail address attached to ticket number 20511465897-6291 with serial number 472-971103 drew lucky numbers 10-21-25-26-50-lucky star 04-06 which consequently won in the 2rd category, you have therefore been approved for a sum pay out of GB 297,319 . (Three Hundred And Ninety Seven Thousand , Three Hunderd and Nineteen British Pounds.).

Due to mix up of some numbers and names, we ask that you keep your winning information very confidential till your claims has been processed and your prize/money Remitted toyou. This is part of our security protocol to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse of this program by some participants. To file for your claim, please contact our/your fiducial agent MR.Alex Onuibo of the, MECURY TRUST AGENT nmailpost@excite.com .


Please note in order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications please remember to quote your reference number and batch numbers in all correspondence. Furthermore, should there be any change of address do inform our agent as soon as possible. Congratulations once more from our members of staff and thank you for being part of our promotional program.


Note: Anybody under the age of 18 is automatically disqualified.
Sincerely yours
Mrs Wright Jones
Lottery Coordinator
REPLY EMAIL TO dr_wrightjones@yahoo.co.uk

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