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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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "your urgent reply" (they are rushing you so you don't have time to think properly)
• 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.
  • +27839625231 (South Africa, prepaid mobile phone)
• 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.
  • mike_cook222@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: mike_cook222@yahoo.com
Date: Fri, 02 Jun 2006 08:12:57 +0200
Subject: TSUNAMI DISASTER

FROM: MR MIKE COOK

TEL: +27-83-9625231

EMAIL:mike_cook222@yahoo.com

HELLO,

I am Mr Mike Cook working in department of fund released order in First National Bank of South Africa, East Gate Branch, I know the letter might come to you as surprise, but take it like your own deal.

Mr IMAN AJI SASMITO, from INDONESIA executed contract through Department of Work and Housing here in South Africa, the contract worth of USD12, 550,000.00 Million Dollars, but on the process of transferring the money to him, as you know that thousand of people have died after a violent earthquake under the sea near northern Indonesia he died with his family in Tsunami disaster that occurred recently, we involve you to authenticate this claim.

Meanwhile, his money has been signed for payment in my office before I will give order to the bank for final endorsement of his money.

Nobody knows what is going on except my assistance and me. This is the man’s information.

Contract Sum: USD12, 550,000.00 Million Dollars.
Contract number: FMA/FMF/3-X99/2003.
Payment Approval Nominal Code: will be given to your upon your response to partake.

You will act like the beneficiary of this money; I will give you more information about the transaction.

I wait for your urgent reply.

Best regards,
Mr Mike Cook.
N/B doesn’t forget to include your direct telephone/fax number. FROM: MR MIKE COOK.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam