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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.

 

 

Fraud email example:

From: tmlfSUNSHINE COMMUNICTIONS <sunshinecomtn@netscape.net>
Date: Mon, 24 Jan 2005 16:55:12 +0100
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS!! lpjdt

MICROSOFT/ SUNSHINE COMM. EUROPEAN BONAZA LOTTERY.

REF: EL3/9318/05
BATCH: 8/163/EL.

Attn: Dear Sir/Madam

We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners International programs held on the
17/1/2005. Your e-mail address attached to ticket number: EL-23133 with serial number: EL-123542,
batch
Number: EL-35, lottery ref number: EL-9318 and drew lucky numbers 7-1-8-36-4-22 which consequently
won in the 1st category, you have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out of US$200,000.
(TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND EURO)

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 40,000 companies and 20,000,000 individual
emails
Addresses and names from all over the world.

This promotional program takes place every year. This lottery was promoted and sponsored by
MICROSOFT AND SUNSHINE COMMUNICATIONS. We hope with part of your winning, you will take
part in our next year US$20 million international lottery. To file for your claim, please contact the paying
officer:

Contact Person: Mr. DAVIE HANS (SUNSHINE COMMUNICATIONS.)
SUNSHINE COMMUNICATIONS.
Email: sunshinecomtn@netscape.net

Remember, all winning must be claimed not later than 1st Feb, 2005.After this date all unclaimed funds
will be included in the next stake.

Please note in order to avoid unnecessary delays and complications please 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.

Yours Sincerely,

For Mr. DAVIE HANS

habmndutfgxnmuvhvqgepdgrywigexdvtlg

Anti-fraud resources: