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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: "Sergei Lavochkin" <microsoftpropro@postino.net>
Reply-To: microsoftpromo@postino.net
Date: Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:26:44 -0600
Subject: CLAIM




FOREIGN OPERATION DEPARTMENT,
MICROSOFT CORPORATIONS SWEEPSTAKES PROMO.
PLAANTAGE MUIDERGRACHT 10
1018 TV AMSTERDAM THE NETHERLANDS
Dear Winner,

File Number No: NL-545411/Q0BR.
Attn: Email Owner

We the entire staffs of Microsoft Corporation wishes to congratulate you
for being one of the lucky winners in this season's lottery promotion.

All participants were selected through our Microsoft computer ballot
system drawn from 32,000 Names, 8,000 names from each continent, as part
of International "E-MAIL "Promotions Program, for our prominent MS WORD
user all over the world, and for the Continues use of E-mail. The
Microsoft internet E-mail draw is held periodically and is organized to
encourage the use of the Internet and promote computer literacy worldwide.

You are entitled to receive the grand reward of of €1,000,000:00 Only (One
Million Euros Only). For instructions to receive this amount, you should
establish contact with the Enquiry Officer using details stated below:

In your best interest, we request that you keep the entire details of your
award strictly from public notice until the process of transferring your
claims has been completed, and your funds transferred to you. This is to
protect winners and to avoid misappropriation of funds.

In pursuant to your prize collection, kindly complete the form below and
send by fax or email to the the processing officer below for due
processing and transfer of your prize money.

Dr. Judith Van Harder
Tel:+31-685-088-122
Fax:+31-207-083-023
Email:(microsoftpromo@postino.net)

(1) NAME OF BENEFICIARY:____________________________________
(2) WINNING NUMBERS:________________________________________
(3) EMAIL ADDRESS:__________________________________________
(4) TELEPHONE:______________________________________________
(5) FAX:____________________________________________________
(6) NATIONALITY:__________________________________________
(7) CITY:___________________________________________________
(8) COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE:___________________________________
(9) ADDRESS:________________________________________________
(10)OCCUPATION:_____________________________________________

I WANT TO BE PAID BY: a / BANK TRANSFER. b/ PERSONAL COLLECTION. c/ CHEQUE

We do not need your banking details if you prefer options B and A. Send
your details by fax if you find it difficult sending an email.

CONGRATULATIONS;
Sweepstakes International Program.Freelotto.
MR.FRANK VANHANS
Online coordinator.











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