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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: "Board" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <sa_tp@live.co.za>
Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2011 01:47:27 -0700
Subject: From SA Tourism Notification!...

South African Tourism Promotional Draw
African End House, 20 Chavonne Drive, Welgemoed, Cape Town, South Africa, 7530.

Attention: Customer SFTB6688901
Ref: EAAL/YHI/26032011
Batch No. SATB6/46.

WINNING NOTIFICATION.
Congrats! Your email address has won you US$798000.00 in our South Africa Tourism Promotional draw held in Cape Town South Africa on the March 26, 2011. To receive your prizes contact our authorized payment office in Johannesburg with (1) your full name. (2) Your Address (3) your Mode of payment.
Contact Agent: Mr. Bruno Paki
Contact Email: sa_tp@live.co.za
Congratulations! Once more from all members and staff of this program that has ensured that you won this competition. Thank you for being part of our Promotional Lottery program.

Yours Sincerely,
South Africa Tourism Board

Anti-fraud resources: