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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:

• 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:
  • "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 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.
  • patricoka@mail.ru (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Patrick C.Koroma" <patricoka@yahoo.com> (may be fake)
Reply-To: patricoka@mail.ru
Date: Wed, 3 Jan 2007 18:43:25 +0000
Subject: Dear respected friend.

Hello,

Compliment of the day to you.I would like to seek your assistance and help to invest in your country.I am particularly interested in properties but your advice on other areas of private sector would be appreciated.I am of the believe that you would be of great help in guiding me to a successful exploration of the investment potential of your country which guarantee good capital returns and financial security.

I am Patrick C. Koroma,my father was minister of solid minerals before he died.We are from the Tongo village in Sierra Leone which is rich in gold and diamond.My late father left me with substantial amount which he deposited with a security company.Further detailed information would be supplied to you for verification if you are interested and respond favorably.I am planning to relocate to your country where i can be better established with my money.I would therefore like you to assist me in every possible way in securing this fund to your country since i intend to live and run my business there.The amount involved is, seven million united states dollars (US$7,000.000 00).I would like you to understand my modesty in imploring for your help which is basically due to my lack of business experience and exposure in your country.

This fund being the basis of my future and business ambition, your friendship, assistance and advice will be immensely appreciated while your effort will be rewarded with 20% percentage of the total fund to you.Please kindly respond and please include your personal telephone and fax numbers.Reply to this mail:patricoka@mail.ru

Best Regards,
Patrick C. Koroma.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam