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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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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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
• This email message is a "dying merchant" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "willsteve" <willsteve@terra.com.mx>
Date: Tue, 20 Jun 2006 10:32:35 -0600
Subject: save my last wish


Dear Friend,

My name is William Stevenson a British merchant formally based n Dubai.I have been diagnosed with Esophageal cancer It has defied all forms of medical treatment, and right now I have only about a few months to live, according to medical experts. I have not particularly lived my life so well, as I never really cared for anyone (not even myself) but my
business.

Though I am very rich, I was never generous, I was always hostile to people and only focused on my business as that was the only thing I cared for. But now I regret all this as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting to have or make all the money in the world. I believe when God gives me a second chance to come to this world I would live my life a different way from how I have lived it. Now that God Is About To Call me, I have willed and given most of my property and assets to my immediate and extended family members as well as a few close friends. I want God to be merciful to me and accept my soul so, I have decided to give also to charity organizations, as I want this to be one of the last good deeds I do on earth. So far, I have distributed money to some charity organizations in Africa and Asia including the psunami victims.
Now that my health has deteriorated so badly, I cannot do this myself anymore. I once asked members of my family to close one of my accounts and distribute the money which I have there to charity organization they refused and kept the money to themselves. Hence, I do not trust them anymore, as they seem not to be contented with what I have left for
them.
before I became ill. Presently, I am still having a deposit with a bank that is yet to be disposed of. I Beg You In The name of God to Help Me Take The Money To Any Orphanage Home Close To You. I Believe That You Would Offer This Service For Humanity Sake. If You Can Help Me. Get Back To Me Via Private Mail: williamsteve@uk2.net . May The Good Lord Bless You And Your Family
I Await Your Response.
Regards.
Williams

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam