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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:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
• This email message is a company representative scam. This type of job offer scam involves the cashing of fake checks and money orders. It could expose you to losses of tens of thousands of dollars as well as to the risk of criminal prosecution and (in some cases) imprisonment.
• 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.
  • mrphilliphoward007@excite.com

Fraud email example:

From: "aiec plc" <aiecplc2030@msn.com>
Date: Thu, 12 Jan 2006 07:37:30 +0000
Subject: URGENT COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE REQUIRED

Dear Sir/Madam,
 
 I represent ATLANTIC IMPORT & EXPORT COMPANY PLC
based in Hong Kong.

 

Our company markets and exports Polymeric Polyol and other products for world trade.

We are searching for representatives who can help us establish a medium of getting to our customers in Europe/Canada/America and neighbouring islands as well as making payments through you as our payment officer.

 

It is upon this note that we seek your assistance to stand as our representative in your country. Note that, as our representative, you will receive 10% of whatever amount you clear for the company and the balance will be paid into an account we will avail to you.

 

Please, to facilitate the conclusion of this transaction if accepted,
do send to Mr. Phillip Howard (President)
promptly by email:
mrphilliphoward007@excite.com
 
(1)Your full names,
(2)Contact address and Phone/fax numbers.
 
Thank you for your time.
Very Respectfully,
Mrs. Jane Edward
Secretay
AIEC PLC.

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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam