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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• 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 fake company names, fake addresses, non-existent institutions/documents or other details have appeared in scams before:
  • "diplomatic immunity"
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
  • "trunk box" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "for your efforts, i am prepared to offer you " (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)
  • "trunk boxes" (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)
  • "million united states 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)
  • "confidentiality of this transaction" (they don't want anyone to point out to you that this is a scam)
  • "diplomatic immunity" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
  • "monrovia" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
  • "liberia" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr Joseph." <mycome@netscape.net> (may be fake)
Reply-To: mycomesoontjm@netscape.net
Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2006 18:00:50 +0200
Subject: HELLO DEAR!

Dear Sir/Madam,

I know you will be surprised to receive this letter.

First I must Introduce myself, I am Mr.Tutu J.Malinga, of the Republic
of Liberia (West African Republic) and the Chief Security Adviser to
Charles Taylor, former President of the Republic of Liberia, who was
forced to resign on August 11,2003 by the United states Of America and
other African States for the sake of peace after fourteen years of ravaging
civil war in Liberia. Charles Taylor is currently on exile.

I got your address through the South African Information Exchange
(S.A.I.E.).For fourteen years today there has always been growing opposition
and rebellion against Charles Taylor.

Earlier last year the advancement of the rebels toward the capital
Monrovia has been unstoppable because of the support the rebels receive
from countries, which are against Taylor and his policies. Due to this
war, on the 23rd February 2003, was mandated by the president to proceed
to South Africa, to purchase ammunition from the Arms Manufacturing
Company In South Africa (ARMSCO) to fight the rebels. This mandate and
instruction was backed up with US$42. Million (Forty Two Million United
States Dollars) in cash, and was delivered by diplomatic immunity into
South Africa. I have already purchased the first batch of ammunition at
the sum of US$30 Million (Thirty Million United States Dollars), which
was delivered in June, and was negotiating for the purchase of the second
batch when the president was forced to go on exile.

I see this as a golden opportunity to divert this money, I have already
deposited this balance of US$12 Million (Twelve Million United States
Dollars) with a security Company,in Europe,Through the help of (Matyida Security Inc) I did not disclose to them the content in the trunk boxes. I only
told them that it contains precious stones , jewellry and bonds. I am presently residing here as a refugee.

The financial laws of South Africa do not allow a refugee to operate an
account.that is the reason i lodged in, the pellet with this security
company in Europe. In view of this, coupled with the way the money was
acquired, I have decided not to invest this fund in South Africa, hence i
solicit for the assistance of a reliable and trustworthy international
business man who can assist me to recieve this fund in overseas for
investment.

For your efforts, I am prepared to offer you 25% of the total sum while
if you will assist me recieve this money into your overseas account. I
have also set aside 5% of the total money for expenses that might be
incurred during the process of this recieve, and 70% will be for my
investment in a profitable venture in your country or anywhere else you may
advice.

From the above, you will understand that my entire life and future
depends on this amount, as such I shall be very grateful if you can assist
me. Please note that this transaction is risk-free,as I have all the
documents from

The security Company,the major thing I demand from you is absolute
assurance that the money will be safe when transferred into your account.

If you can be of assistance, kindly contact me Also send me your
private fax and phone numbers for easier communication and confidentiality of
this transaction.

Yours Sincerely.

Mr.Tutu J.Malinga,

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam