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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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• What can you do when you receive 419 spam
  
  
• Spam archive, Daily index
  

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:
  • "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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr Eric William" <eric_william117@yahoo.com> (may be fake)
Date: Fri, 27 Jan 2006 11:35:01 +0100
Subject: How Are You

Attn: Dear,
I would like to apply through this letter for your express co-operation and to secure in your position an opportunity to invest and do a joint business with you in your country.
Also I would like to described to you my advance future plans and kind to invest the sum of US$17,000,000 (Seventeen million united states dollars) in any profitable business
depending on your advise. Please your able co-operation is to become my partner in this transaction, and your country as well as create ideas on how this money will be invested
and the type of investment after the money is transferred to your custody with your assistance and co-operation. As I have not had the pleasure of demonstrating the advantages
of this investment. Meanwhile, in your response I would like you to indicate your willingness to handle this transaction sin cerely by protecting my interest and upon your acceptance
of this proposal, I would appreciate us to discuss the details and mutually agree on your percentage interest or share holding for helping me to secure the transfer of
the asset and investing it. I shall be glad to reserve this respect and opportunity for you, if you so desire, but do urge you to give the matter your immediate attention it deserves.
Looking forward to your urgent and positive response.
Yours Sincerely,
Mr Eric William

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam