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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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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)
  • "money laundering" ("anti-terrorist", "anti-money laundering" or "drug-free" certificates are a common way for criminals in fake lottery scams and other Advance Fee scams to get you to send money to them. There are no such certificates in the real banking world. )
  • "await your urgent response" (they are rushing you so you don't have time to think properly)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Thomas Okosun <tokosun5@jmail.co.za>
Date: Fri, 15 Jun 2007 20:12:45 +0200
Subject: FOR MUTUAL BENEFIT


My Dear Friend,
I have been directed to contact you after due consideration and consultation to assist us in a proposition for the benefit of both parties involved (Your side and mine).
We have an enormous amount of funds that we are hoping to put into a very viable venture in your country with your assistance. As soon as I receive a response from you regarding your willingness to assist us with this proposition, I will proceed immediately to provide you with further details about how we intend to make you our overseas partner.
Bear in mind, this does not have anything to do with Terrorism or Money Laundering.
I will await your urgent response.
Regards, Mr. Thomas Okosun



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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam