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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: "Katherine F. Hardoy MSCD" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <supports.msw5@live.co.uk>
Date: Thu, 4 Feb 2010 22:08:32 -0000
Subject: >>You Need To Respond On Time...

For the Last time, we are pleased to remind you of the Microsoft Windows (E-MAIL) Award for 5.5, million. Please; confirm if you received our previous messages and the letter sent to your house with;


E-ticket number: 98005043266 098,
Category: 1st,
Draw: 6756,
Match: 5 plus bonus
Amount: 5.5, million British Pounds.


You may reply this mail with the information's needed.


Best Regards,


Mrs. Katherine F. Hardoy MSCD
Microsoft Management Board, Copyright © 1991-2010

Anti-fraud resources: