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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.

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:
  • "fiduciary agent" (real lotteries do not use a "claim agent" / "fiduciary agent")
  • "claims agent" (real lotteries do not use a "claim agent" / "fiduciary agent")
  • "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 fake lottery scam. Consider the following facts about real lotteries:
  
  1. They don't notify winners by email.
  2. You can't win without first buying a lottery ticket.
  3. They don't randomly select email addresses to award prizes to.
  4. They don't use free email accounts (Yahoo, Hotmail, etc) to communicate with you.
  5. They don't tell you to call a mobile phone number.
  6. They don't tell you to keep your winnings secret.
  7. They will never ask a winner to pay any fees to receive a prize!

Fraud email example:

From: Richard Cox <richard_cox01@yahoo.dk>
Date: Mon, 20 Aug 2007 08:43:06 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: Attn: Lucina Hertzer


Attn: Lucina Hertzer


This is to confirm receipt of you mail and to further congratulate you on your winnings. I am Mr Richard Cox and i am your fiduciary agent in charge is the Dispatchment of your cheque and all other documents thats attached.

Your cheque here with me in london. Please note that the lottery board have instructed the issuing bank to place a hold on cheque if it is not delivered to the beneficiary before on the 12th of september 2007 so i will advise that you apply a measure of urgency.You are to get back to me immediately.

Before I proceed, I would like you to re-confirm the below details.


1.Your Full Names
2.Full Home Address
3.Personal Telephone/Fax







So, I am expecting you to send me the above mentioned ASAP and as soon as i get your response i shall proceed with the process of sending your cheque to you.

Thanks as i look forward to your prompt response.


Regards,
Mr Richard Cox
Fiduciary Claims Agent

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam