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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: "Ms. Alice Prasser" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <claimofficeadm@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 24 Sep 2017 17:33:31 -0400
Subject: CLAIM YOUR WINNING PRIZE

Dear Recipient,

You have won One Million USD in the Free lotto online sweepstakes program covered North America, Asia, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Middle East, Australia/Oceania World wide corporations, held 20th September 2017.
This email was sent to notify you officially about the award and confirm you as a winner of the draw, therefore be advised you to contact the processing office immediately for claim.
Contact Person: James Raphael.
Mega Claim Center Incorporation (MCCI)
Email: claimofficeadm@gmail.com or megaclaimcenter@email.com
Your Confirm. Batch Number. GDFS 2530-293-26. Reference Nr. YKHL 3714-2913.
Batch Nr. GDFS 2530-29-326. Serial Nr. PMSQ 2154-23-192.Ticket N.1148-19-1514
Lucky Nr. 41926-27.
Notes, you must keep this information mentioned above within yourself as to enable your processing officers file your claim.
Sincerely,
Ms. Alice Prasser
Int. Lottery Coordinator.

Anti-fraud resources: