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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:

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr Erskine Bowles." (may be fake)
Reply-To: <www.facebookboards@outlook.com>
Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2017 14:40:36 -0400
Subject: Congratulation From Facebook Headquarters.

Facebook User Award
 
            We are pleased to inform you of the result of the just concluded annual Final draws held on the ( 4th of August 2017 ) by Facebook group in cash Promotion to encourage the usage of Facebook world wide and each on the Facebook group promotion Award Attached to ticket number (5647600545189) and Ref No (2551256002/244) Serial Number (55643451907).
 
            The online draws was Conducted by a random selection of email you where picked by an Advanced automated random computer search from the Facebook and in other To claim your $1,000,000.00 USD the lottery program which is a new innovation by Facebook, is aimed at saying A BIG THANK YOU to all our users for making Facebook their number one means to connect, communicate,relate and hook up with their families and friends over the years.
 
            Your name was selected in a raffle that was made on 4th of August 2017 so we need your immediate response to enable us proceed with the delivery of your Winning/Fund also you are required to contact our payment dept via e-mail:
 
E-mail:  facebook_hq@usa.com
 
With information below in order for us to complete your winning certificate and for further information regarding the disbursement of your lottery win.
 
 
FULL NAME:
FULL CONTACT ADDRESS :
MOBILE PHONE NUMBER :
OCCUPATION :
MARITAL STATUS AND AGE :
NATIONALITY / COUNTRY :
TICKET NUMBER:
REF NUMBER :
SERIAL NUMBER :
YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS :
 
 
Remember all winnings must be claimed not later than 30th of August 2017. After this date, all unclaimed funds will be included in the next stake. To avoid unnecessary delays and complications please remember to quote your reference and batch numbers in all correspondences. Furthermore, if there is any change in email address please contact us on time
 
To enable him issue you certificate of winning Accept my hearty congratulations once again
 
Thanks,
Regards,
Mr Erskine B. Bowles
# +1 (650) 382-2354
Promo Coordinator.Promo Coordinator
APPROVED AND SIGNED BY MR MARK ZUCKERBERG CEO FACEBOOK TEAM

Anti-fraud resources: