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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
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• 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:
  • "huge deposit" (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)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: "Bobby Bright" <preachaman76@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 24 May 2007 07:20:10 -0400
Subject:

From :  paulledeen@magmail.net <paulledeen@magmail.net> Reply-To :  paulledeen@magmail.net Sent :  Wednesday, May 23, 2007 3:42 PM Subject :  Hello; Reply Mail Asap....

| | | Inbox

Greetings, I am Barrister Paul Ledeen. I am reaching out to you as regards the handling of an investment portfolio. I am soliciting your assistance in repatriating the funds and property left behind by my late client before it is confiscated by the government and declared unserviceble by the bank where the huge deposit is lodged. My Client died intestate and every attempt to trace any member of his family has proved unsuccessful and abortive. Do note that your identity or country of origin does not matter. I will give you more information upon your response. You should respond by sending the following: 1. Your full names 2. Tel & fax numbers 3. Complete Address 4.Your occupation and your Age I humbly look forward to your soonest response. Yours Faithfully, Barrister Paul Ledeen Esq. London, U.K

Bobby G. Bright Jr.

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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam