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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: "Eric D. Burns" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <infcbnt@postino.net>
Date: Sun, 5 Oct 2014 05:20:11 -0400
Subject: Attn Lucky Winner?

382 Channel Drive, Port Washington, NY  11050, United States
 
 
Attn Lucky Winner
 
The Team of Mega Million is Pleased to officially announce you as the Third place prize winner of the Ten Million ($10,000.000.00) prize draw sponsored by Publishers Clearing House. The total amount to be claimed for Fourth place is One Million One Hundred Thousand Dollars (US$100,100,000.00). Congratulations! Mega Millions will make all necessary arrangements for you to receive your prize. Please contact your Claims Agent or representative immediately to avoid delays as you can contact him via e-mail at or through telephone and fax listed below.
 
 
Your Claims Agent is: Mr. Morris Parker in Australia Tel- +614-88804163, (Fax- +61280155650) Email Address (morris.parke09@email.com)
 
Your Security Code is: H649PC32 As required by US Federal and State laws, your Security code and Prize information must be kept strictly confidential which means that you are precluded from discussing your win with 3rd parties such as (family members, friends and relatives).This is to prevent unlawful tampering and a means to reduce risks of fraud and scams from taking place.
 
 
As soon as we verify your identity and Security Code number from you, we will immediately release your total sum through wire transfer into your nominated bank account or platinum automated card will be issued with withdrawal analysis according to the global financial law guiding lottery release through (ATM). Your last name was used for the raffle draw and you emerged a lucky winner.
Once again, Congratulations
 
 
MEGA MILLIONS
Eric D. Burns
Chief Financial Officer
Phone +1-7188798977

Anti-fraud resources: