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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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• 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.
  • rlindon5@aim.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mrs.E.M. Ed. WARD" <melkaed@netscape.net>
Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2006 00:33:20 -0900
Subject: Did you receive it please

My dear.
I hope you are fine.
My Husband Kevin Ward and I lived happily until he died two years ago;
about the time I was diagnosed of Cancer, he loved to care for the homeless
and sick, following his death I decided to donate much of what he left
behind to charity even though relatives of my late Husband are opposed to
it, but my decision stands in line with my Husband's WILL the money
($3.2Million) is my inheritance.
I have informed my Lawyer that I shall contact you and he can be reached at
rlindon5@aim.com I shall be going to the theatre for surgery following the
Doctor's scan and report as such I cannot take telephone calls (This is
strict Doctor's advice), prayerfully I would survive the surgery that would
get me back to normal life, however I implore you to give all you can to
this effort, if you look around there is suffering (caused by natural
disasters or humans) and we as adults should help the future.
Remember that you do not do this for me but for posterity and the
accompanying abundant blessings, all I ask is your sincerity, dedication and
confidence, most importantly I want to appeal that for my safety and an
accomplishment of this hospices we shall keep all information intact, only
you, Mr. Ray (My Lawyer) and the Bank has this information, Mr. Ray is a
competent Lawyer you need not get your Lawyer and he can be trusted, i do
not want my Husband's relatives or family members standing in the way of my
last wish.
Blessings.
Mrs.E. Ward.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam