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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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "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)
  • "liberia" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr James Johnson" <james_johnson2@myway.com> (may be fake)
Date: Fri, 3 Aug 2007 14:38:13 +0300
Subject: Urgent Response

Dear Friend,
Good day to you, I am so sorry for sending you this unsolicited and unexpected mail.
I got your contact from a Business Directory in my agents office and I decided to contact you directly for the sake of business.
My full Name is James Johnson from Liberia, I am here in U. A.E searching for a reliable and experience business partner.
I have about $5.4 Million Dollars and I would need your assistance investing it either here in U.A.E or any country of your choice under your guidance.So I am only soliciting for your assistance to help invest. My Business is totally free of risk and trouble.If you are willing to invest in this business, please give me your confidential contact phone number so that we can discuss on how to see face to face and discuss more in details.Thank you once again for your interest and waiting for your reply.
Best Regards,
James Johnson,

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam