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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:
  • "a security company " (this will cost you money - that's what the scam is about)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: Barrister Aston Craig <astoncraig44@walla.com>
Date: Tue, 17 Jan 2006 18:37:01 +0100
Subject: Urgent Business Proposals


Dear Friend,

I am Barrister Aston Craig, an attorney at law in Spain. A deceased client of mine, by name Mr. Johnnie Dickison died in New Orleans with his wife and two children as a result of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
I am contacting you to help assist me in ensuring that the funds lodged by my client with a security company here in Spain, the security company did not decleared unclaimed hence my reason for this contact to you.
The security company has issued me a notice to contact the next of kin, or the funds will be confiscated by the order of Spanish law court.
My proposition to you is to seek your consent to present you as the next-of-kin and beneficiary of my late client, so that the proceeds of this funds can be paid to you, Then we can share the amount on a mutually agreed-upon percentage.

All legal documents to back up your claim as my client's next-of-kin will be provided. All i require
is your honest cooperation to enable us see this transaction through.
This will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law. If this business proposition offends your moral values, do accept my apology. Please contact me at once to indicate your interest.

However if you are willing to assist me in this venture i will establish a verbal telephone
communication with you and bring you into a much better picture of the situation.

Best Regards,
Barrister Aston Craig

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam