419 scam: "MasterCard Notification" <ffortes@fonsecacosta.com.br> -->Important: Update Required<-- From MasterCard/Microsoft

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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:

This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "million pounds" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
This email message is a fake lottery scam. Consider the following facts about real lotteries:
1. They don't notify winners by email.
2. You can't win without first buying a lottery ticket.
3. They don't randomly select email addresses to award prizes to.
4. They don't use free email accounts (Yahoo, Hotmail, etc) to communicate with you.
5. They don't tell you to call a mobile phone number.
6. They don't tell you to keep your winnings secret.
7. They will never ask a winner to pay any fees to receive a prize!
This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- +448709503299 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
- +442070602113

Fraud email example:

From: "MasterCard Notification" <ffortes@fonsecacosta.com.br>
Reply-To: <hi.speedcustomerservicesltd@live.com>
Date: Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:54:47 -0700
Subject: -->Important: Update Required<-- From MasterCard/Microsoft

MasterCard / Microsoft Windows Mega Jackpot
FedEx Mail Express. (Co-Sponsors)
London, Liaison Office,
Director Mr. James B. Lakers.
Tel: +44-20-7060-2113 Ext; 2000
Fax: +44-87 0950-3299

For the Last time, we are pleased to notify you of the MasterCard / Microsoft Windows Mega Jackpot (E-MAIL) Sweepstakes result. Please; confirm if you received our previous messages;You have less that 7 days to claim your due award. This promotion is all about promoting the use of (E-MAIL) so take note. Your £6.6, million pounds is still valid for claims.

We received a reduction notice from the Insurance company, please, read and act immediately.

NOTE: Ignore this mail if you are not interested.

Best regards,

Michael Goodman
MasterCard / Microsoft Management Board, Copyright © 1991-2009

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Your privacy is important to the MasterCard / Microsoft Windows Mega Jackpot®. Employees of the MasterCard / Microsoft Windows Mega Jackpot® are prohibited from disclosing any information you provide, except as provided by law. No personally identifying information (such as your name, address or phone number) will ever be captured by visiting our Web pages, unless you voluntarily choose to provide it. The National Association of State and Provincial Lotteries recently alerted the MasterCard / Microsoft Windows Mega Jackpot® and every other online Security organizations to get clearance number before having any online promotions or Awards, as there are too many scams going on online. So if by chance you received or you have received any mail of such do not be reluctant to ask for their Clearance number, they are always 14 digits numerical numbers take note. Our clearance number is the E-ticket number: 98005043266 878.
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-->Important: Update Required<-- From MasterCard/Microsoft

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Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam