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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
• Support our efforts to stop scams!
  
• How to report 419 spam to us
• What can you do when you receive 419 spam
  
  
• Spam archive, Daily index
  

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:
  • "a security company " (this will cost you money - that's what the scam is about)
  • "account in your country or any safer place" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "trunk box" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "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)
  • "abidjan" (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.
  
• 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.
  • tistom@post.sk

Fraud email example:

From: "thomas michael" <tomterryj@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: tistom@sify.com
Date: Fri, 11 Aug 2006 13:31:57 +0000
Subject: From me, Thoma

With respect,

I am Thomas Michael and My sister is Theresa Michael, Our parents Mr. and
Mrs. David Michael were assassinated here in IVORY COAST. Before my father's
death he had SEVEN MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS kept in a well concealed
trunk box and deposited with a security company here in Abidjan. I want you
to do me a favour to receive these funds to a safe account in your country
or any safer place as the beneficiary. I have plans to do investment in your
country, like real estate and industrial production. This is my reason for
writing to you. Please if you are willing to assist me and my only sister,
indicate your interest by replying.
Thanks and best regard.

Thomas Michael.
ALTN tistom@post.sk

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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam