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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
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• What can you do when you receive 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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

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)
  • "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
• 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.
  • mosesopara@yahoo.fr

Fraud email example:

From: PHILIP GARY <philip_gary2@hotmail.fr>
Date: Fri, 29 Jun 2007 11:10:30 +0000
Subject: your compensation Draft of $750.000.00



My Dear friend, How are you today,i am very happy to inform you about my successful in getting they fund transfered with the help of the Pan-Africa Mortgage & Finance,meanwhile,i didn't forget your efforts,now i want you to contact the secretary on his contact information below.
Name Mr.Moses,his e-mail: mosesopara@yahoo.fr ,Ask him to send you the draft cheque worth sum of ($750.000) seven hundred and fifty thousand us dollars in a draft which I kept for your compensation for your effort.contact him now,please do not forget to send to him your contact address, cell phone and do let me know as soon as you have receive the draft . Regards, Mr.Gary
_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam