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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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Please note about this email:

Fraud email example:

From: "Mrs Sonia Gates" <mrssoniagates@msn.com>
Reply-To: drjerrygray@mac.com
Date: Thu, 11 Aug 2005 06:15:46 +0000
Subject: UK PRIME LOTTRY

                                   British Flag
 
INTERNATIONAL PROMOTIONS/PRIZE AWARD DEPARTMENT
UK PRIME LOTTERY SERVICE
Macclesfield, United Kingdom.
Customer's Service Center
Ref Number: UK/910/16454
Batch Number: VC/32/ID1141
 
Dear Sir/Madam,
 
We happily announce to you the result of the UK PRIME LOTTERY programs held ON the 26th of June in ENGLAND AND WALES. Your e-mail address attached to ticket number 5224652456UT with serial number 0098/UK0204, batch number VC/32/ID1141,lottery ref number UK/910/16454 and drew lucky numbers 03-01-15-20-34-33-07 which consequently won in the 2nd category, you have therefore been approved for a lump sum payout of ₤850,000(Eight hundred and fifty thousand pounds sterling)in cash credited to file KLTT/KTU/2004ETN.This is from a total cash prize of ₤8.5 Million Pounds, shared amongst the first TEN (10) lucky winners in this second category.
 
   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.Be informed that all participants were selected through a computer ballot system drawn from over 40,000 company and 20,000,000 individual email addresses from all over the world. This promotional program takes place every year and it is promoted and sponsored by Association of software producers.
 
To file for your claim, please contact our fiduciary agent:
 
=======================================================
DR JERRY GRAY
UK PRIME LOTTERY
Macclesfield, United Kingdom
Email: drjerrygray@mac.com
Phone: +44(0)7040106338
Fax  : +44(0)7092867563
=======================================================
Remember, all winning in this second category must be claimed not later than 31st of August, 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 that you must contact your claims agent within one week of receipt of this notice.
 
Note: Anybody under the age of 18 is automatically disqualified.
 
Sincerely,
MRS. SONIA GATES
UK PRIME LOTTO Coordinator.
 
                     

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