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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "huge sum of money" (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)
  • "you will be entitled to 30%" (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)
  • "is 100% risk free" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
  • "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• 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.
  • aindossou@yahoo.co.uk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "mathain dossou" <mathaindossou08@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: aindossou@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2006 08:56:48 +0100
Subject: Dear friend ,I Want You To Work With Me

FROM THE DESK OF DR Mathain Dossou
BANK OF AFRICA(BOA)
COTONOU,REPUBLIC OF BENIN.WEST AFRICA

Dear Friend

I am DR Mathain Dossou , I work with the BANK OF AFRICA(BOA) in Cotonou
Benin republic. It is my wish to solicite your assistance in a business
transaction that will be of benefit to you andI.During our investigation and
auditing in the bank, my department came across a very huge sum of money
belonging to my deceased customer in our bank DR JIM JOHNSON, a citizen of
America who died on therecent plane crash in Cotonou Benin republic on the
26th of Dec. 2003.Although personally, I kept this information secret within
myself to enable the whole plans and idea be profitable and successful
during the time of execution.The said amount was USD$25m( twentyfive million
united states dollars).As it may intrest you to know, I got your contact
through my country chamber of commerce and international relations here in
Cotonou
Benin Rep.

I believe you will be able and capable to champion a business of
suchmagnitude without any problem. Meanwhile all the whole arrangement to
put claim over this fund as the bonafide next of kin to the deceased, get
the required approval and transfer this money to your account if you
indicate your intrest has beenmade by me.

In fact I could have done this deal alone but because of my position in this
country as a banker,we are not allowed to operate a foreign account and
would eventually raise an eye brow on my side during the time of transfer
because I work in this bank.This is the actual reason why it will require a
second party or fellow who will forward claims as the next of kinto the bank
and also present a foreign account where he will need the money to be
re-transfered into on his request as it may be, after due verification and
clarification by bank officails.

I will not fail to inform you that this transaction is 100% risk free. On
smooth conclusion of this transaction, you will be entitled to 30% of the
total sum as gratification, while 10% will be set aside to take care of
expenses that may arise during the time of transfer, while the remaining 60%
will be for me and my family.
Please,you have been advised to keep business as asecret between you and i
for i am still in service andintend to retire from service after i conclude
this deal with you. As soon as you confirm to me your willingness to assit
me in this bussiness i will send to you the deceased bank account
informations and Application which you will apply to the bank for inward
transfer of this fund to your account.

I will be monitoring the whole situation here in the bank until you confirm
the money in your account and ask me to come down to your country for
subsequent sharing of the fund according to percentages previously indicated
and further investment,either in your country or any other country you may
advice us toinvest in.

All other necessary information will be sent to you when I hear from you.I
suggest you get back to me assoon as possible stating your wish in this
deal.Alternative e-mail Address: aindossou@yahoo.co.uk )
faithfully,
Best Regards,
Mathain Dossou

_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam