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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:
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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:
  • "cheques " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "john rufai" <johnrufai@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: john_rufai25@yahoo.com
Date: Tue, 25 Oct 2005 03:27:40 +0000
Subject: NEEDED YOUR ASSISTANCE.........

Attn:

I am Mr. John Rufai, an Executive Director of Projects, in a multinational
firm. I decided to forward to you this business proposal in anticipation
that you may be in position to assist/handle this business with us.

We want a reliable person, who could assist us in receiving funds from a
company we assisted in their bid for a contract in our firm promised us. The
company has therefore requested for information from us of who is to receive
the promised amount on our behalf and because we are not allowed by company
rules and regulation as in any other company to receive gratification for
service rendered officially or operate or own foreign accounts, hence the
need for your assistance

On our part, all modalities had been worked out in ensuring a smooth
transaction .All I want from you is your mailing address and the name that
you want the cheques to be issued on or bank account information where the
money can be wired. As soon as you indicate your Interest, further
instructions will be passed on to you on the procedure that we will follow
in accomplishing this deal.

On accomplishment of this deal you will be entitled to 20% of the total sum.
If this proposal is accepted by you, kindly reach me immediately via
furnishing me with your confidential telephone numbers.
Looking forward to hearing from you.

Best regards

John Rufai


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam