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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)
  • "trunk box" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "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.
  

Fraud email example:

From: bernicedos1@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Wed, 09 Jan 1980 02:24:18 +0200
Subject: URGENT !!!

Att Please,
I am Mrs. Bernice Dos Santos a citizen Angola .I am 45years old with two children
Presently residing in South Africa because of the political crisis in my
Country. I got your contact in strict confidence through South Africa Chamber of Commerce.
I would Honestly want to seek for an immediate assistance from you, I
Have $15 Million US dollars belonging to my late husband Mr. Desmond
Dos Santos. Who was held bondage by the Rebels during the crisis and was letter killed.
I ran to South Africa refugee Camp when I Discovered danger to my life and
that of my two children until the death of my beloved husband.
He packed the above mentioned Amount in a METAL TRUNK BOX and deposited it with
A SECURITY COMPANY in South Africa for safe keeping I have every Documents regards the
Money I have contacted the SECURITY COMPANY and confirmed the
Safety of the money/inheritance,
As it is, I have the intention of investing the money oversees and
However needed a Foreigner who is capable of giving adequate assistance to
me by the way of clearing the money from the SECURITY COMPANY and
Thereafter forwarding it to your Account for investments.
I have nice percentage of the money for you. If Necessary, Please do
Feel free to ask me questions on this as I wait for your reply soonest.
Thanks.
Mrs. Bernice Dos Santos

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam