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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.

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:
  • "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
  • "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.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Fiduciary Office--Uk Lottery <fiduciaryoffice_petersen@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 1 Aug 2007 23:30:25 +0100 (BST)
Subject: UPDATE...TREAT URGENTLY


Dear Mrs. Ulrica,

Compliments of the day. How are your dealings with the courier company we urged you to contact for the delivery of your winning cheque to your address? I was informed that you have been sent a mail which you have to honour. However, i tried contacting you via the phone number you gave me but I was unable to conversate with you due to the voicemail system on your phone. Please do make your phone available for contact or perhaps provide a specific time in which you could be cordially reached on phone.

Thank you in advance.

Mr. Petersen Brown.


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam