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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: zurichoffice81@comcast.net (zurich lotterien)
Date: Tue, 22 Apr 2008 21:34:42 +0000
Subject: Winning Information

Central Services:
Weg 205 B - 02241, zum Erfolgreichen,
Switzerland.

>From The Promotions Department of
Zürich Lotterien.

This program is organized by the international
lotto and games subcommittee, endorsed by
the European lottery guild in conjunction
with NGO organizations in Switzerland.

After this automated computer ballot, your
e-mail address attached to serial number
02-87-87 drew the lucky numbers
4-11-41-26-02-62, which consequently
emerged you as one of first ten (10) lucky
winners in the United Kingdom category.

You have therefore been approved for a lump
sum pay off of €1,000,000.00 (One Million
EURO) in cash credited to file ZL/08/4008.

send the necessary information as regards your
chosen option to our help line below:

Zürich Lotterien
Information and Payment Bureau:
London Representative Office
Help Service Contact
Tel: +44 701-115-0676
E-mail:zurich_office@yahoo.se
:zurichlotterien@live.com

Mrs. Kirt Loberg.
Promotions Manager.
Zürich Lotterien

Anti-fraud resources: