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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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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.

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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "million united states dollars" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
  • ",000,000" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
  • "00,000.00" (they want you to be blinded by the prospect of quick money, but the only money that ever changes hands in 419 scams is from you to the criminals)
  • "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
  • "confidential business" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
  • "very confidential" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
  • manager_vadimcn4@yahoo.com.hk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: vadimpetrovcn6@yahoo.com.hk
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2008 08:38:14 GMT
Subject: Awaiting your urgent reply




Good Day,

I found your email discreetly during my personal search for a reliable partner that can be trusted to have this transaction done with me,someone who can assist me in this great time of need, someone who can help me out with this transaction.

I am Mr.Vadim Alexandrovitch Petrov, Bank Manager of URALSIB BANK OAO RUSSIA.I have an urgent and very confidential business proposition for you.On November 6,2003,a British Oil consultant/contractor with YUKOS OIL COMPANY (Russia's Largest Oil Company), Made a numbered time (Fixed) Deposit for twelve calendar months, valued at US$40,000,000.00 (Forty Million United States Dollars) in my branch.Upon maturity,I sent a routine notification to his forwarding address but got no reply.After a month,we sent a reminder and finally we discovered from his contract employers,the British Oil consultant/contractor with YUKOS OIL COMPANY that he died from an automobile accident.I found out that he died without making a WILL,and all attempts to trace his next of kin was fruitless.

On further investigation,I discovered that he did not declare any kin or relations in all his official documents,including his Bank Deposit paperwork in my Bank.This sum of US$40,000,000.00 (Forty Million United States Dollars) is still sitting in my Bank and the interest is being rolled over with the principal sum at the end of each year.No one will ever come forward to claim it.I would respectfully request that you keep the contents of this mail confidential and respect the integrity of the information,it will be of great benefit for both of us, I will give you good update as regards this transaction as soon as you notify your interest.

I hope to read from you,thank you.I will like you to provide immediately your full names and address so that the attorney will prepare the necessary documents and affidavits that will put you in place as the next of kin of US$40,000,000.00 (Forty Million United States Dollars).The money will be paid into your account for us to share in the ratio of 50% for me and 50% for you.

There is no risk at all as all the paperwork for this transaction will be done by the attorney and my position as the Branch Manager guarantees the successful execution of this transaction. Awaiting your urgent reply via my email address. manager_vadimcn4@yahoo.com.hk

Regards,
Vadim A. Petrov.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam