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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: "Mrs Mercy Adline" <wornethlotto_emi@yahoo.com> (may be fake)
Reply-To: greg_matine@indiatimes.com
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2004 11:57:33 +0400
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS,CONGRATULATIONS

LOTTERY WINNERS FOUNDATION INC.MIDLE EAST CHAPTER.

DUBAI U.A.E.,

Ref. Number: 132/756/4509

Batch Number: 538901527-Bc68

Sir/Madam

We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners
International programs held on the 28th of Norvember,2004.Your e-mail
address attached to ticket number 27522465896-6453 with serial number
3772-554 drew lucky numbers 7-14-18-31-45, which consequently won in
the 2ND category, you have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out of
US $1.2m.

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 200,000 companies and 4,000,000 individual email
addresses and names from all over the world. However, This promotional
program takes place every three years and been promoted and sponsored
by eminent.

personalities like Mr. Bill Gates and the Sultan of Brunei,etc. and we hope with part of your winning you will take part in our next year 20 million US Dollars International lottery programs.
To file for your claim,

please contact our financial agent Immediately

DR;ALEX JOMBO.
Email:martins_alex_jombo@indiatimes.com

LOTTERY WINNERS FOUNDATION INC.

Remember all winning must be claimed not later than 10th Febuary, 2005.
After this date all unclaimed funds shall be returned to the reserved
account of the BBGL for the next stake. 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,

MRS MERCY ADLINE,(Coordinator)
Email:

LOTTERY WINNERS FOUNDATION INC.




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