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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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Fraud email example:

From: MR VICTORIA PAUL <infoagap@netscape.net>
Date: Wed, 1 Dec 2004 03:46:44 +0100
Subject: WINNING NOTICE.

FROM AGAPE STAKE LOTTERY INTERNATIONAL
INTERNET ;infoagap@netscape.net
Ref. Nnumbe: 132/756/4507
Batch Number: 538901589-Bc68
Sir/Madam
We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners
International programs held on the 29th OF NOVEMBER 2004. Your e-mail
address attached to ticket number 77522465896-6458 with serial number 3772-554 drew lucky
numbers 7-14-18-23-31-45 which consequently won in the 2nd category, you are therefore
been approved for a lump sum pay out of EURO 2,000,000,000 (TWO MILLION EUROS)
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Due to mix up of some numbers and names, we ask that you keep your
winning
information confidential until your claims has been processed and your
money Remitted to you. This is part of our security protocol to avoid double claiming and
unwarranted abuse of this program by some participants.All participants were selected through
a computer ballot system drawn from over
20,000 company and 30,000,000 individual email addresses and names
from all over the world. This promotional program takes place every three
years.
This lottery was promoted and sponsored by eminent personalities like
mr Bill Gates and the Sultan of Brunei, we hope with part of your winning
you
will take part in our next year USD50 million international lottery.
To file for your claim, please contact our fiducial agent
Mr.EDGAR DAVIS
Email: g2lobaldiplomati@netscape.net
Remember, all winning must be claimed not later than 9th of DECEMBER. 2004.
After this date all unclaimed funds will be null and void.
Please note in order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications,
remember
to quote your reference number and batch numbers in all
correspondence.
Furthermore, should there be any change of address do inform our agent
as
soon as possible.
Congratulations once more from our members of staff and thank you for
being
part of our promotional program.
Note: Anybody under the age of 18 is automatically disqualified.
Sincerely yours,
MR VICTORIA PAUL.
Lottery Coordinator



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