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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
• "Is that email a scam?" - Check it online here!
  
• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
  (+225 +229 +234 +27 +31 +32 +34 +44 other)
• Company names mentioned in 419 spam:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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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:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "power of attorney" (with your bank details and a power of attorney form criminals sometimes empty bank accounts)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: "Idris Kuta" <harrison_doyle@msn.com>
Reply-To: kuta_idris@sify.com
Date: Mon, 17 Oct 2005 10:49:33 +0000
Subject: GOOD DAY

Dear Executive,

As a matter of urgency, trust and sincerity, there is a crusade going on in
my country, {Anti Corruption Crusade}. The commission is currently
investigating accounts of Government officials. As the chairman, senate
committee on Oil and Gas, and to avoid being probed, I have some money out
of inflated contracts which I have moved out through secret connection.

The fund has been deposited as Alluvial Diamond in a Treassure Holding House
overseas. I want you to assist me by securing the fund into your account for
safety.

The total sum is $225m. The president is using the commission to oppose his
political opponents. I will forward a power of attorney for you to clear the
package on my behalf because I cannot travel out now. The Treassure Holding
House does not know the content of the package.

I want you to get back to me if you can assist me.

This neverthless must be kept secret for my position.

Thank you

Senator Idris Kuta

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam