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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: Sweepstakes Online Lottery Org <sweepslottorg021@earthlink.net>
Reply-To: Sweepstakes Online Lottery Org <coodinatordonchou47@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 2 Jul 2010 05:03:02 +0700 (GMT+07:00)
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
 
We are Pleased to inform you that your email was selected among the winners of Sweepstakes Online Lottery Organization 
For more details visit : http://sweponlinestakesinternatiional.web.officelive.com/default.aspx
On how to redeem your prize.

Sweepstakes Online Lottery Organization
Online Co-ordinator
Sir. Donalson Chou
REF: N.EG/42275486009/16

Anti-fraud resources: