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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: (sent from abused email account)
Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2008 12:11:13 -0600
Subject: Microsoft Word Lottery Team: Your Email Has Won 5.5 Million Pounds:

Microsoft Word Lottery Team: Your Email Has Won 5.5 Million Pounds:
Microsoft Word International Promotions Department,
Mword Lottery, United Kingdom.
E-mail: msw.hilarystones66@live.com
Phone: +44-7031979682
BATCH: 7653MSW/WIN
REF NO: MSW/78A-843BH/B
FBI CLEARANCE FILE NUMBER: FBI/MSW/VERIFIED002

Today, we announce the winners of the MICROSOFT MEGA JACKPOT LOTTO WINNINGS PROGRAMS, your company or your personal e-mail address, attached to winning number 63-96-03-67-56-430, with serial number 674432, consequently won in the Fifth lottery category.

Do contact the email address below for further Clarifications and to Claim the Award Sum of 5.5 Million Great British Pounds which was awarded to you in a Personality Test Program held to Honor our Customers. Your email address emerged as one of our winners through our Microsoft Random Email Balloting System.

Microsoft International Promotion
Hilary Stones
Director Microsoft Promotion Team.
Contact Email: msw.hilarystones66@live.com

Do email the above email address at once with all the claims requirements below, in order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications.

Full Name:
Address:
Telephone:
Occupation:
Age:

NOTE: You are to contact your claims officer immediately by email (msw.hilarystones66@live.com)

Copyright © 1991-2008.
MICROSOFT CO-OPERATION
SPONSORS: MICROSOFT CO-OPERATION INTERNATIONAL, HI-SPEED FREIGHT DELIVERY FIRM, LIVE MAIL.COM, HSBC BANK UNITED KINGDOM.
Microsoft Word Lottery Team: Your Email Has Won 5.5 Million Pounds:



Anti-fraud resources: