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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: "PETER HOLT" (may be fake)
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 2015 19:42:06 -0700
Subject: YOUR WINNING NOTIFICATION

Winner No: 3/16/32/25/34/37-43
Date: 14-08-2015
Ref  Number: 951/004/844
Batch Number: 503890017
                                       OFFICIAL WINNING NOTIFICATION 
We happily announce to you the draw of Global Microsoft Promotions 2015, World Selected Microsoft Email Data Award International programs held in Madrid Spain. Your email address attached to ticket number: B5690 38910268 255 with Serial number 82013 drew the winning: 3/16/32/25/34/37-43, which subsequently won you the promotions award in the 3rd category.
Your name has therefore been approved to claim a total sum of EIGHT HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND EUROS (?825,000.00) credited to file No: KPC/9030108308/09.
To begin your lottery claims, please contact your agent, DON JOSE GRANADA, THE FOREIGN SERVICE MANAGER SECURITY SOLUTION S.A ON TEL No +34 631 931 683 & Fax No:+34 911 984 573 for the processing and remittance of your prize winning money to a designated bank account of your choice.
Remember to quote your winning number in all correspondence.
Winners are hereby required to fill the attached form and send it by fax to the above Claim Agent.
Sincerely
Mr. Gordon Stanton

Anti-fraud resources: