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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:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "insurance fee " (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. )
  • "registration fee" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. )
  • "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
  • "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +22993012943 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: f jim <fjim29@hotmail.fr>
Date: Sat, 4 Aug 2007 12:51:41 +0100
Subject: CONTACT IMPEX TRUST COURIER COMPANY FOR YOUR CONSIGNMENT



CONTACT IMPEX TRUST COURIER COMPANY FOR YOUR CONSIGNMENT
My Dear Friend!
How are you today? This is to thank you for your effort to help me in the past. I understand that your hands were tied. Not to worry. I have succeeded in getting the money transferred into the account provided by a newly found friend of mine in India.
I am in London with my family presently. To compensate your past assistance and commitments to me, I have made available 10% of the total money which is $1.6M (ONE MILLION SIX HUNDRED UNITED STATE DOLLARS) cash for you. I made it cash because my account officer advice me to do so, he said that since I will not be around, it will be safe to keep cash than to keep check, because of the validity of the check might expire before you get the check.
I have, through the help of my account officer packaged the money in a security proof box. The box was sealed with synthetic nylon seal and padded with machine. It was deposited with IMPEX TRUST COURIER COMPANY for safe keeping, as (Sensitive Photographic Film Material), The Company does not know the original contents of the box. What l declared to them as the content is Sensitive Photographic Film Material, I did not declare money to them please. that is what you will mention to them when contacting them.
Also, note that I have paid the delivery fee and insurance fee in advance pending the time you will contact them, so you don't have any problem, the only fee they will ask you is their registration fee which is $185. Below is the Deposit details: Deposit Number: PLCC-101-PL45 Sort/Clearance Code: PLC/101-45/P50 Deposit Certificate N0.: 405576 Consignment Description: 1 Box Sensitive Photographic Film MaterialDepositor: Mr. Frank Jim.
Make sure you quote the deposit details well to avoid misinformation.Write a letter of application and quote the deposit details to the given address below. Company: IMPEX TRUST COURIER COMPANY, BENIN REPUBLICContact Person: Dr. Chris mark (Director) Contact Email: dr_chrismark_isu@yahoo.frcontact phone number: +229 930 129 43
Forward your FULL NAME, HOME ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER, and register with them for immediate delivery of your package to your door step. Take good care of your self.Regards,Mr. Frank Jim.
NOTE THEIR MANAGER MRS. PAT UGWU IS A VERY CLOSE FRIEND OF MY FAMILY, SHE WILL GIVE YOU SPECIAL ATTENTION IF YOU MENTION MY NAME TO HER. HAPPY CHEERS!!!!!
_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam