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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: "Lotto24" (may be fake)
Date: Sun, 20 Jun 2010 12:19:41 +0100
Subject: Congratulations!!!

Dear Esteemed Winner,
Your email address has just won the Sum £2,500.000.00 in the lotto24 2010 email lottery ballot promotions. You must file for your claims by sending in your name, tel/fax, address and email address for data reconfirmation and validation of your winning claim. Call our local admin manager Mr. Alan Egert or send an email to
E-mail: lotto24lotto@gmail.com
Tel: 0044 782-664-3124
Fax: 0044 782-664-9802
Congratulations once again, from all members and staff of LOTTO24 INTERNATIONAL.
Best regards,
Sarah J. Evans,
Lottery Co-ordinator, Lotto24 PLC London. EC23323UK
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Anti-fraud resources: