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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• 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:
  • "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "million 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)
  • "your urgent reply" (they are rushing you so you don't have time to think properly)
  • "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +22997046598 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
• 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.
  • donbrown_benin@sify.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: Don Brown <dbbrown8@hotmail.fr>
Reply-To: <donbrown_benin@sify.com>
Date: Sun, 20 May 2007 09:51:20 +0100
Subject: ASSISTANCE NEEDED



FROM: Mr Don Brown.Audit and Accounting OfficeBank of Africa-Benin: AvenueJean-Paul II, 08 BP 0879-CotonouTel: +229 970 465 98Reply me in my Private email;(donbrown_benin@sify.com )
Hello Dear,
I am Mr. Don Brown Audit Manager Bank of Africa Benin. In the capital city of Cotonou Benin republic, and assistance, this is a very confidentialproposition for you. On April 21st 1999, A Swedish Oil consultant/contractor with the Benenoise Solid Minerals Corporation,Mr.Soren Anderson made a numbered time (Fixed) Deposit for twelve calendar months, valued at US$8,000,000.00 (Eight Million Dollars only) in my branch.Upon maturity on November 20th 2003 as his Credit Officer, I sent a routine notification to his forwarding address but got no reply.
After a month, we sent a reminder and finally I discovered from his contract employers, the Benenoise Solid Minerals Corporation that Mr.Soren Anderson died on auto accident with his entire family.Further investigations and all attempts to trace his next of kin were fruitless.Again, I made further investigation and discovered that Mr.Soren Anderson did not declare any kin or relations in all his official documents,including his Bank Deposit paperwork in my Bank.This sum of US$8,000,000.00 is still sitting in my Bank No one will ever come forward to claim it. According to the International Banking ethics,codes and Laws,at the expiration of 7(Two) years, the money will revert to the ownership of the Benin Government if nobody applies to claim the fund.
Consequently, my proposal is that I will like you as a foreigner to stand in as the next of kin to Mr.Soren. This is simple, I will like you to respond immediately with your full names and address so that we will prepare the necessary documents and affidavits that will put you in place as the next of kin.
The money will be paid into your account for us to share in the ratio of 70% for me and some of my colleagues who are aware of this transaction and 25% for you and 5% for Expenses Incurred in the course of the transaction There is no risk at all as all the paperwork for this transaction will be done by my colleagues and with my position as the Foreign Remittance Director guarantees the successful execution of this transaction.
Upon your response, I shall then provide you with more details and relevant documents that will help you understand the transaction. Please send me your confidential telephone and fax numbers for easy communication. You should observe utmost confidentiality, and be rest assured that this transaction would be most profitable for both of us because I shall require your assistance to invest my share in your country.
Reply me in my Private email;(donbrown_benin@sify.com )
Awaiting your urgent reply.
Remain Bless.Mr. Don Brown00229 970 465 98
_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam