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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: WINDOWS LIVE LOTTERY BOARD <msnwindowsmicrosoft.office@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2007 19:26:03 +0100 (BST)
Subject: URGENT INFORMATION NEEDED (POWERED BY WINDOWS MICROSOFT)




Microsoft Cash Promotion Award
20 Craven Park Harlesden

London NW10,
United Kingdom.

Mr Cort Urnerder,

This is to inform you that your mail was recived in my office this day and the content of it all was clearly stated.As a matter of fact this lottery company really appreciates your responce to all mails been sent to you and for been so observant about your notification.

Furtherly,i most inform you that your drivers liecence attached to your last mail sent to this office was not received due to the fact that your mail domain do not allow attachement of photo. In this regard you are adviced to re-send it through another mail like yahoo or hot mail.Reply would be given fully to your last mail as soon as your responce is received regarding this mail.

Do have a wonderful day

Best Regard,
Mr.Williams Wilcox


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