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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: "MICRO SOFT" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <micsoft20100@hotmail.co.UK>
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2011 20:03:06 +0800
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS

WINNING NOTIFICATION DEPT
MSN-MICROSOFT AWARD LOTTERY PROGRAM
United Kingdom, 61-70
Southampton Row
Bloomsbury London
WINNER NO 6
United Kingdom WC
11th feb 2011

Batch: 744RT/MSN/UK

This is to notify you that your email address has won £750,000.00 (SEVEN HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND BRITISH POUNDS) in the Microsoft Email Draw in which e-mail addresses are picked randomly by computerised balloting, powered by the Internet. This is to enhance the utilization of the internet. To claim your prize, please contact Claims Officer on the email with the claims requirement listed below;
***************************************
{Claims Officer}
NAME: JOHNSON DESMOND
TELL: +447010029706
E-maiL: micsoft20100@hotmail.co.UK
***************************************
Claims Requirements:
1.Full Name:
2.Home Address:
3.Age:
4.Gender:
5.Tel:
6.Occupation:
7.Country
8.Nationality:
***************************************
Congratulations once more from all members and staff of this program.
Sincerely,
JOHNSON DESMOND

Anti-fraud resources: