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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: "joan lomax" <uls@winningsworld.com>
Reply-To: universallottoservices@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Wed, 15 Jun 2005 18:29:44 +0000
Subject: WINNING NOTIFICATION

UNIVERSAL LOTTO SERVICE (U.L.S.),
Strand,
London WC2R 2LS,
England,
United Kingdom
Email:universallottoservices@yahoo.co.uk
WINNING NOTIFICATION
REF NO: TLC421-04/82412
Dear Winner,
Sequel to the annual lottery draw of the above named establishment in
Europe, conducted on the 20th of may, 2005.I am glad to notify you that your
e-mail address attached to ticket No: 1225905TW won in the third category a
lump-sum of seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars(USD750,000;00).
Congratulations and be advised to keep confidential till your prize is
processed to avoid multiple applications/filings. All participants were
selected randomly by a computer software ballot device.
This promotion is sponsored by a group of corporate establishments and
accredited charitable organizations worldwide.
Be informed that a minimum of 10% of your prize must be donated to a
remarkable charity organization in your locality. To file for your claim,
please contact your fiducially agent;Mr Charles mark , In orbit Consultant
1I fiduciallyagent@yahoo.co.uk
Congratulations once more,
Yours Sincerely,
Mrs.joan lomax,
Promotion officer,
Universal Lotto service,
London.
NB: kindly state your ref No and Ticket No when filing for your claim.


Anti-fraud resources: