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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:
  • "a security company " (this will cost you money - that's what the scam is about)
  • "million us 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.
  
• This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +448709126226 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
  • +447946599633
• 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.
  • mikemiller1@hotmail.co.uk

Fraud email example:

From: "The Investor" <marytownes@hotmail.co.uk>
Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2006 15:55:10 +0700
Subject: OwvsHello

Hello Dear Sir/ Madam, Allow me to introduce our company to you, we are a modest Cayman Islands company and a European Business/Finance Consultants, offering service to midline businesses and individuals in Europe who desire to expand into other countries or business activities. We are presently confronted with a request to invest funds in any country in the European Union, the funds belong legitimately to widow from Saudi Arabia and the funds are deposited with a security company in Europe. Hence, we are seeking your indulgence to respond to us indicating if you are capable and willing to partner with us in the investment of Eight Million US Dollars, in a covert and confidential manner. The investor is interested in Industry, Agriculture and real estate, and your advice will be much valuable and highly regarded in this matter. Your swift response will be appreciated, and we will like you to include a brief profile of yourself family or business, along with your complete contact information in your response. Thank you so much and we look forward to doing business with you. Best Regards, Mary Townes For: Mike Miller. Email: mikemiller1@hotmail.co.uk Cayman National Corp Group LTD, 12 Albert Square, Manchester, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 794 659 9633 Fax: +44 870 912 6226 Eistob

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam