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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: "Pay Center" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <woolwine.anderson@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:28:33 +0100
Subject: PAYMENT RELEASED VIA WESTERN UNION MTCN:384-336-5515


Hello,

Message was sent from Mr. George Pun of Operation.

We happily announce to you the draw (#951) held on Wednesday, 2nd
DECEMBER 2011.

TK :56475600545
SRL: 5368

This is to officially inform you that we have verified your Unclaimed
file presently on my desk. Contact us as soon as you receive this email
for information on how you will be paid.

Best regards,

NAME:Mr George Pun PHONE:+447024077324 Or +447024055051

Anti-fraud resources: