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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: "Michigan Online Lottery." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <bradlowcarlos@yahoo.com.vn>
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 2016 12:16:50 -0500
Subject: Computer Balloting Sweepstakes

Michigan Online Lottery.
101 E. Hillsdale,
Lansing, Michigan 48933,
United States of America.
Dear : Sir/Madam,
We wish to congratulate you over your email success in our computer balloting sweepstakes held on 12th January 2016. You have been approved for the star prize of One Million and Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars ($1,500,000.00). This is a millennium scientific computer game in which email addresses were used. It is a promotional program aimed at encouraging internet users; therefore you do not need to buy ticket to enter for it. Your winning ticket number is 35-38-18-24-37 with Batch numbers BTD/008002/12 drew the lucky numbers 2-4-4-2-67 which consequently won the draw in the Second category.
You are advised to keep this winning very confidential until you receive your lump prize. This is a protective measure to avoid double claiming by people you may tell as we have had cases like this before. Now, how would you like to receive your payment? Because we have two method of payment which is by Check or by ATM card?
NOTE: For None Appearance, Do Not Contact Mr. Bradlow Carlos, if you can not pay for the cost of delivery and Kindly Reconfirm
Full Name:
Home Address:
Home/Cell Phone
Occupation:
 
Name: Mr. Bradlow Carlos
E-mail: bradlowcarlos@yahoo.com.vn
Contact direct line: (650) 275 4605
Remember, all winning must be claimed not later than 30th January, 2016. Please note, in order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications, remember to quote your winning ticket number and batch number in all correspondence. Furthermore, should there be any change of address do inform our agent as soon as possible.
Congratulations.
Best regard,
Mrs. Julia Smart,
Online Lottery Coordinator.
The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to whom or which it is addressed. Unauthorized use, disclosure or copying is strictly prohibited. The sender accepts no liability for the improper transmission of this communication or for any delay in its receipt.
 

Anti-fraud resources: