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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:
  • "will come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "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)
  • "your country for safe keeping" (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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: cindy johnson <cindy_js05@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Thu, 5 Jul 2007 15:41:58 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Hello Dear


Hello Dear

I know this mail will come to you as a surprise, nevertheless I am Mrs. Cindy Johnson, aged 54 years, the wife of Major Stephen Johnson. As a result of the on-going problem in my country,more importantly getting a trusworthy individual abroad to receive the sum of US$7million and 15Kg worth of gold dust on our behalf for investment with you in your country.

I am desperately in need to move and re-locate this huge deposit to your country for safe keeping and investment as partnership with you in your company. You can email me back for further clarifications.

Sincerely yours

Mrs. Cindy Johnson and son David


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam