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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:
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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 phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "dear friend" (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)
• This email message is a "dying merchant" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: Petermann Klaus <pklaus1965@aol.com>
Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2006 10:16:48 +0200
Subject: Important

Dear Friend,

As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for
me, because, I believe everyone will die someday. My
name is Petermann Klaus a merchant in London, the
United Kingdom I have been diagnosed with Esophageal
cancer.

It has defiled all forms of medical treatment, and
right now I have only about a few months to
live,according to medical experts.I have not
particularly lived my life so well,as I never really
cared for anyone(not even myself)but my business.

Though I am very rich, I was never generous, I was
always hostile to people and only focused on my
business as that was the only thing I cared for. But
now I regret all this as I now know that there is more
to life than just wanting to have or make all the
money in the world. I believe when God gives me a
second chance to come to this world I would live my
life a different way from how I have lived it. Now
that God has called me, I have willed and given most
of my property and assets to my immediate and extended
family members as well as a few close friends.

I want God to be merciful to me and accept my soul
so, I have decided to give alms to charity
organizations, as I want this to be one of the last
good deeds I do on earth. So far, I have distributed
money to some charity organizations in the Algeria and
Malaysia. Now that my health has deteriorated so
badly, I cannot do this myself anymore. I once asked
members of my family to close one of my accounts and
distribute the money which I have there to charity
organization in Bulgaria and Pakistan, they refused
and kept the money to themselves. Hence, I do not
trust them anymore, as they seem not to be contended
with what I have left for them.

The last of my money which no one knows of is the huge
cash deposit of eight million united states dollars
that I have with a finance Company abroad. I will want
you to help me collect this deposit and dispatched it
to charity organizations. I have also set out 10% of
this money to be giving to the less privileged in Sri
lanka,indonesia and Thailand 15% has being set aside
for you and for your time.

You are to respond through my personal and safe email
address. God be with you.

Email: Pklaus1965@aol.com

Regards,

Mr. Petermann Klaus.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam