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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:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
• 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:
  • "will come to you as a surprise" (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.
  
• 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.
  • martins_vidu@yahoo.com.ar

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr MARTINS VIDUKA" <martins_vidu@yahoo.com.ar> (may be fake)
Date: Sun, 10 Jun 2007 03:36:16 -0700
Subject: hello dear.

hello dear.
I presume this letter will come to you as a surprise, but as things unfold, we will know
each other better. I will start by introducing myself to you.I am Mr MARTINS VIDUKA,
a Foreign Consultant with Shell Bp,I am based in Niger Delta and due to the kidnapping
and maiming of oil workers in Niger Delta,I have decided in the best interest of me to
relocate to your country so that I can invest my money there in your place.I am looking
for estate to buy for a business purpose. 1 will like to invest about $58.3 Million USD
in to real estate or any moveing business in your country.

Please bear with me because,I am in search for a reliable and honest partner abroad to
be a business partner with me,because I want to come over to your country for investment.
If this business interests you, please do not hesitate to email martins_vidu@yahoo.com.ar
me as a matter of urgency with your contact Phone and Fax numbers,Age,Sex,Nationality,
Your Residential Address,Occupation,Marital Status and your Fullname so that I can give you more details on what I am intend to do.

Best Regards,
Mr MARTINS VIDUKA

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam