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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:
  • "on indication of your willingness to handle this transaction" (a common phrase found 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: "Ernest Atta" <atta_ern@walla.com> (may be fake)
Date: Mon, 20 Nov 2006 20:01:06 +0000
Subject: Reply soon.

Compliments of the season,

I am Mr. Ernest Atta, Please bear with me for using this medium in seeking your co-operation to do a joint business venture.

I have a substantial capital I honourably intend to invest in your country into a very lucrative business venture of which you are to advise and execute the said venture over there for the mutual benefits of both of us.

Your able co-operation is to become my business partner in your country and create ideas on how money will be invested, properly managed and the type of investment after the money is transferred to your custody with your help and assistance.

Meanwhile,on indication of your willingness to handle this transaction sincerely by protecting our interests and upon your acceptance,I would furnish you with full detailed information, procedure,amount involve and mutually agree on your percentage for helping me to secure the release of the deposit and investing the money in your country under your proper management and care.

I shall be glad to reserve this respect and opportunity for you,if you so desire,but do urge you to give the matter your immediate attention it deserves and please do not make undue advantage of the trust i bestow on you, your reply will be highly appreciated.

Best regards and have a nice day.

Yours Faithfully,

Ernest Atta
[Reply to: ernest_at@walla.com]

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam