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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
• "Is that email a scam?" - Check it online here!
  
• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
  (+225 +229 +234 +27 +31 +32 +34 +44 other)
• Company names mentioned in 419 spam:
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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.

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: "optimum lottery" <helpdesk@ukoptimumlot.com>
Date: Fri, 25 Feb 2005 12:50:26 +0000
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS!!! YOU HAVE WON €500,000.00 (FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND EUROS ONLY)

OPTIMUM LOTTERY, UK
Ref. Number: 639/898/002
Batch Number: 430456543-DD23

Sir/Madam,

We are pleased to inform you of the result of the Lottery Winners
International programs held on the 31st of December 2004. Your e-mail
address attached to ticket number 278541465006-4872 with serial Number
1772-554 drew lucky numbers 5-14-18-23-33-39 which consequently won in the
1st category, you have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay of
€500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Euros only)
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Due to some controversial numbers and email addresses, we ask that you keep
your winning information confidential until you file for your claim. This is
part of our security protocol to avoid double claiming and unwarranted abuse
of this program by some participants.
All participants were selected randomly from World Wide Web site through a
computer ballot system drawn from over 20,000 companies and 30,000,000
individual e-mail addresses from all over the World. This promotional
program takes place every year. This lottery was promoted and sponsored by
some eminent personalities who do not wish to declare their identity for
security reasons.
To file for your claim, please contact your Claims Agent:

Mr. Christopher Williams
Email: info_optimumlottery@ukrpost.com.ua

Remember, all winning must be filed not later than 7th March 2005.
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 a Winner in our promotional program.


Sincerely yours,

Mrs. Naomi John
Lottery Coordinator.

Note: Anybody under the age of 18 years is automatically disqualified.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam