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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: "GOOGLE® CORPORATION" (may be fake)
Reply-To: <donaldwilliams1938@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 15 May 2017 03:15:12 -0700
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS!!!

GOOGLE AWARD PROMOTION
Ref Number: Google-Inc./910/16454
Batch Number: GL/32/ID1141 
      
 
Dear Winner,
 
We are happy to announce to you that your email address have won £1,980,000 (One Million Nine Hundred and Eight Thousand Pounds). You were selected among the 10(Ten) lucky winners during the internet ballot draw of the GOOGLE LOTTERY PROMO.
 
You are advised to contact the claim department immediately with the below information for the release of your prize money.
 
Mr. Donald Williams (Claim Agent)
Tel: +44-1133203590
Fax: +44-2031375646
Email: donaldwilliams1938@gmail.com
International prize Department
 
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Yours faithfully,
Mrs. Alan Carton
Online Coordinator.

Anti-fraud resources: