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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: "Mrs Sara Mohammad" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <infoclaimsdept20111@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 6 May 2011 20:47:04 +0800
Subject: United Nation Final Notification

This e-mail is to congratulate you as your email address has won you a cash prize of One
million united state dollars in UN-National Lottery. To file your claims, contact
Person;
Agent: Mr james young
E-mail: infoclaimsdept20111@gmail.com

NOTE: You are to contact your claims Agent Mr James Young with his information giving
to you and keep your winnings Serial No: SZ231/RSA0079 confidential do not give anybody
your winning detail OR tell anyone so as to avoid loss of claims.

You do not have to purchase a ticket to enter into this lottery. It is a free email draw.

Regards,
Mrs Sara Mohammed.

Anti-fraud resources: