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

Fraud email example:

From: Mr Paul Webb <irishagentpaul@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Tue, 7 Aug 2007 06:40:20 +0100 (BST)
Subject: TREAT AS URGENT


Hello Willmarr Pfeffmann,

How are you doing today?

I got your email and i want to inform you that you are required to follow the claims procedure to enable your prize be delivered to you with out delay.

Now, you will be required to fill the verification form below. Fill out the form and email it back to me as soon as possible.

I await your filled form.

Regards

Mr Paul.


VERIFICATION AND FUNDS RELEASE FORM
FULL NAMES :
AGE:
SEX:
ADDRESS:
COUNTRY:
MARITAL STATUS:
OCCUPATION:
PHONE NUMBER:
FAX NUMBER:
LUCKY NUMBER :
REF NUMBER:



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