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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: "Patrick Widen" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <facebookonlinedepartment16@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 05:46:50 -0700
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS ONCE AGAIN FROM FACEBOOK!

Face book Corporate Office & Headquarters
1601 Willow Road Menlo Park, CA 94025
INTERNATIONAL PROMO TIONS /PRIZE AWARD.
CATEGORY: 2ND
 
Congratulations from Facebook International Online Lottery!!!
 
Attention Fund Beneficiary
 
Facebook the largest Social Networking site valued more than $100 Billion Dollars and also expecting its One Billion Users to come mainly from Mobile devices than desktop Users by 2014, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg has decided to boost Users and Companies a WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY by Lottery Program and Initial Public Offer said in a press release.
 
We are very happy to inform you that your name appear on the Facebook International Lottery Promo for the New Year 2014 and we are giving out the total sum of $500,000.00 USD & Brand New Honda 2013 (Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) which is what you have just won.
 
Your name was selected in a raffle that was made 16th of May 2014 so we need your fast response so that we can proceed with the process of your winnings.
 
Your email was selected by Mr. Mark Zuckerberg the CEO of Face book (Founder &amp; Chief Executive Officer) The promotion was made to make all Facebook User Benefit from the gain the company made Facebook is a the first and ever largest means of meeting both old and new friend your unique winnings code is (1544) this most not be given to anybody until you have your winnings to avoid lost.
 
The promo was done to serve as a means of appreciation to visitors on our site and also to help people to fight off poverty and to maintain the standard of living.
 
We receive this Email from Tom Bruce Saying that he is your next of Kin and that you authorized him to claim your winnings, and here is the Bank details he left.
 
Name: Mr. Tom Bruce
Bank name: Wells Fargo
Bank address: California, USA.
Account number: 6503809428.
 
Reconfirm if you authorized him..
 
However for the purpose of proper verification among other relevant information, it is imperative that you forward your claims to our claim department with the below details.
 
You are advised to contact the payment and the head office department of your Funds and with your details:
 
1 Full Name-----
 
2. PHONE AND FAX NUMBER ----
 
3. ADDRESS ---
 
4. YOUR AGE:--
 
5. CURRENT OCCUPATION-----
 
6. Home Equity {YES OR NO}. ----
 
6. Identity/Sex. ---:
 
With the email below so that they can proceed with the process of your winnings.
 
Contact Name  Martins Jonas
Email: (facebookonlinedepartment16@gmail.com)
 
 
Leave a voice message stating your name to the office of Facebook Promo Coordinator Mr. Patrick Widen via Phone: (702) 907-7206
 
To avoid unnecessary delays and complications please remember to quote your Ticket, Reference and Batch Numbers in all correspondences.
 
View the link of our Official Website (https://www.facebook.com/BigLotteryFund)
 
Acknowledge this mail by replying back immediately.
 
CONGRATULATIONS ONCE AGAIN FROM FACEBOOK!
 
Thank you.
Patrick Widen
Promo Coordinator
FBI SCAM PROTECTED.

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