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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
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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:
  • "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
• 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.
  • michealadams@mail.az (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Engr. Micheal Adams." <micheal_adams2@virgilio.it>
Reply-To: michealadams@mail.az
Date: Fri, 07 Jul 2006 13:34:02 +0200
Subject: Oil Contract.


My dear,
Before I introduce myself, I wish to inform you that this
letter is not a hoax mail and I urge you to treat it serious. I am a
Director in Procurement Department with Petroleum Ministry here in
Italy.
I obtained your email while searching for a reliable person, who
could assist me in receiving transfer of a supposed contract awarded
funds. This fund came as a result of over estimated contract awarded
sums executed by foreign contractors in the Petroleum Ministry. The
concerned Ministry has approved these over invoiced funds for payment.
The contracts which the over invoiced sums was created from has been
executed and commissioned. What I am about to receive now, is the over
estimated funds which was added during the process of obtaining the
contracts for my own interest. This is a normal deal that goes in my
Ministry by top officials.
On my part, all modalities have been worked
out in ensuring a smooth conclusion of the contract payment to your
bank account within the next few days. My department approves payments
to contractors, and I happen to head the department. All I want from
you is to receive these funds on my behalf as a Sub-Let Company,
because as Government Official I cannot collect the funds directly from
my Ministry, neither I am allowed by Law to operate/ run foreign bank
accounts. If you are trustworthy and can assist me in receiving the
fund, do not hesitate to respond back to me immediately.
Please note that there is no risk involved in receiving the over estimated contract
funds in your account. I want you to state in percentage what you
shall have for participating in using your bank account to secure the
funds. As soon as you indicate your interest, further details and the
amount involved shall be given to you once I receive response from
you. I hope I can trust you to treat this proposal with utmost
confidentiality. My alternative email is michealadams@mail.az
Looking forward to hearing from you soonest.
Best regards,
Engr. Micheal Adams

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam