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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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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.

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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "claims office" (real lotteries do not use a "claim agent" / "fiduciary agent")
  • "million pounds" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
  • "await your urgent response" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "chambers" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
• This email message is a fake lottery scam. Consider the following facts about real lotteries:
  
  1. They don't notify winners by email.
  2. You can't win without first buying a lottery ticket.
  3. They don't randomly select email addresses to award prizes to.
  4. They don't use free email accounts (Yahoo, Hotmail, etc) to communicate with you.
  5. They don't tell you to call a mobile phone number.
  6. They don't tell you to keep your winnings secret.
  7. They will never ask a winner to pay any fees to receive a prize!
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
• This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
  • waxson_chambers@yahoo.co.uk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: Darlington Maxwell <claimsagentdarlington1_msw@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2007 06:32:54 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: MICROSOFT MEGA JACKPOT LOTTERY(CONTACT THE ATTORNEY)


Dear Cash Winner (Ton van Zijl),



I got your mail and all its content noted, sincerely speaking If I were in your shoe, I would definitely be skeptical, the increasing rate of fraud this days is something to be very cautioned about and I know it is quite hard for you but I need you to be strong, I am Gods fearing person an adult with a wife and two kids, I have work with company for about 8 years now and see that I am not scamming you, we are the MICROSOFT EMAIL PROMOTION, EMAIL AWARD DEPARTMENT UK and as a matter of fact, we did create a link to create an awareness to the public on the increasing rate of scam and how to avoid it, you are a genuine winner and I need you to claim your funds. Work with the strategic officers and there will be no delay/further disappointment coming from our side.




We are all aware of the scam going on around today but note that this is not one of them, we are the MICROSOFT EMAIL PROMOTION, EMAIL AWARD DEPARTMENT, collaborated with the MICROSOFT WORLD INCORPORATED. We do not run a scam. You are advised to work with us and specifically me your, assigned claims officer.





WINNERS:

(1) Ferdinard Norlando, (2) Aslim Hassan, (3) Kenneth Bullovert. (4) Lernas Munhill. (5) Mac Covert. (6) Peter Rooney (7) Lakers Janice, (8) Mathew Grew, (9) Ise-Ogieolu Awee'samah (10) paul daugherty (11) YOU, (12) melba hynes (13) Stephen Yearwood (14) V. Eldridge Ballard II (15) Buenaventura alvin (16) Vern Greenhahm (17) Mark Thompson (18) sherrysteve (19) Dean Roundtree (20) Lewis Musasike (21) Elmer Bailey (22) Kim Robinson (23) Lisa Smith (24) Norm & Jean (25) Christina Kyle




Your parcel has already been sealed, insured to its real level and confirmed OK. Right now nobody (not even you) have the right to touch or take from the winnings. You are to pay for the Attorney fees for the delivery of your parcel containing a cheque of 5.5 million pounds, and your winning certificate.


Also bear in mind that you will be required to hire the services of an attorney to represent you here. He will be responsible for every necessary documents that we will need to process your claims legally Contact him on this email shown below:




TO: BARRISTER Andrew Waxson QC
TANFIELD CHAMBERS
2-5 Warwick Court, London
WC1R 5DJ DX: 46, Chancery Lane.
Email: waxson_chambers@yahoo.co.uk
PHONE # :( +44) 704 573 6519




I await your urgent response soon.



Regards


Mr. Darlington Maxwell.


(Claims Officer)



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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam