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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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• 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:
  • "million dollars" (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: mchlsmth1mic@aol.com
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007 03:03:15 +0200
Subject: Business relationship

Attention Director,

I am Mr. Michael Smith, I am the general accountant of a reputable bank here in Africa and with my position, I was privileged to use my position to over invoice a contract by excess of $22.Million Dollars, which I have insured and secured in the banks escrow account here in our branch and what I need now is a trust worthy Foreigner whom I will work in hand with, to transfer this money ($22.000.000:00) to his company or private account immediately.

I will use my position to influence this project in other to expedite the transfer. Send me the following information below for agreement purpose and security reasons upon your confirmation of interest. Then I will tell you the next step.

1. Full Name, address and occupation
2. Private phone number
3. A copy of your ID or International passport.

Reply to my private email:

Regards,
Michael Smith

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam