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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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• 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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "contact me immediately" (they are rushing you so you don't have time to think properly)
  • "foreign remittance department" (Banks mentioned in 419 scams are always fake (real banks don't communicate using mobile phones or free webmail addresses))
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: DR JAMES PARKER <support@fortis-bank.net>
Date: Wed, 10 Jan 2007 14:31:04 +0100
Subject: HAPPY NEW YEAR


FROM DR JAMES PARKER.
Bill & Exchange Manager
FOREIGN REMITTANCE DEPT.
FORTIS BANK OF HOLLAND
support@fortis-bank.net


DEAR FRIEND

I am the manager of bill and exchange at the foreign remittance department of Fortis bank of Holland. I am writing this letter to notify you what I discovered in my department.

Upon receipt of your reply, I will send to you by fax or email the complete details of my discovery on your behalf.

I do believe it will be good news you do wish to receive this year.
You should contact me immediately through our bank e mail address at support@fortis-bank.net as soon as you receive this letter.

Yours faithful
DR JAMES PARKER
Bill & Exchange Manager
FOREIGN REMITTANCE DEPT.
FORTIS BANK OF HOLLAND

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam