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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:
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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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "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. )
  • "and cash it" (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. )
  • "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
• 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.
  • ruthizah2003@yahoo.fr (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: dona samas <samasdona0003@hotmail.fr>
Reply-To: <ruthizah2003@yahoo.fr>
Date: Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:59:42 +0100
Subject: Re: For you my friend in need


My Dear, Compliments of the day. I am glad to inform you that I have successfully concluded the transaction, the money has been transferred to Dublin.I suceeded through the assistant of Mr.Barney Boatman who is a Dublin base business man, he cleared the fees and the fund was transfered to his account.Currently I am in Dublin with him and my wife and children. However, I did not forget you because you are the source of my success, you made me what I am now though you weren't there to complete this project with me but I give all the credit and thanks to you for your past efforts . I know it is not your fault or rather your wish to back out on me and the transaction. I understand it was your situation then. In appreciation towards your assistance, I have mapped out as a compensation and wrote on your favor a certified bank cheque worth of $1,200,000.00 usd, ( One million two hundred thousand,usd ) I left the cheque with my Secretary Mrs. Ruth Izah on my departure to Dublin. I would like you therefore, to contact her on the below info. so that she can mail the cheque to you without any delays. Please kindly be informed that it is cashable within 28 days so make sure you receive and cash it before then. CONTACT INFO. OF MY SECRETARY.Mrs.Ruth IzahEmail: ruthizah2003@yahoo.fr Contact my secretary in Republic of Benin so that she can release your bank cheque to you. I will stop here. Once again, thank you very much and remain blessed with your family. Best Regards,Mr. Samas Dona.
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam