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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.

 

 

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

Fraud email example:

From: hsulliva@hsull.orangehome.co.uk
Date: Tue, 21 Nov 2006 10:46:44 +0100 (CET)
Subject: AWARD! AWARD! YOU WON!


AWARD! AWARD! YOU WON!
EMAIL LOTTERY SWEEPSTAKES
(ACCREDITED LICENSED AGENT TO KRASLOTEN LOTTERY)
http://www.kraslot.nl/contact/verkooppunten.html
Ref. Number: W28/524/7301
Batch Number: 964-786-NL8
Sir/Madam,
We are pleased to inform you about the result of the Lottery Winners International programs held on the 20th of november 2006. Your e-mail address which is attached to Ticket number 4693907719- with serial Number 472-976-8 drew lucky numbers 3-8-17-22-25-40, consequently emerged and won in the 2nd category, you have therefore been approved for a lump sum pay out of USD$ 800,000.00 (Eight Hundred Thousand United States Dollars)

CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Due to the mix up of some numbers and name's 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 30,000 company and 60,000,000 individual email addresses and names from all over the world. This promotional program takes place every three years.
This lottery, was promoted and sponsored by the software corporation to compensate
some few individuals with website and email addresses but especially those from the third world countries and to encourage the use of new softwares. We hope that with part of your winning you will take part in our next year USD50 million International lottery where you shall be entitiled to purchase tickets.
*****************************************************************
To file for your claim, please contact our FIDUCIAL AGENT:
Mr. Peter Smith.
TEL: 0031-616-075-222
Fax: 0031-847-537-719
Email: kraslott@aim.com
***********************************************************************
Please remember to quote your reference number and batch numbers in all
Correspondence.
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 and do respond back to your agent on the above give email.
Sincerely yours,
Mrs. Hannah Sullivan
(Lottery Coordinator)

Anti-fraud resources: