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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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• 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.

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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)
  • "a security company " (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. )
  • "any lucrative business in your country" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "hundred thousand united state 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)
  • "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Linda Okoro <l-okoro@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <l.okoro5@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 31 Aug 2007 13:27:35 +0000
Subject: Thanks and God Bless You.



Dear Friend,I need your services in a confidential matter regarding money out of a family beneficiary deposit in a security company vault the sum of USD12.7 (TWELVE MILLION SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATE DOLLARS) for investment in your country as such I decided to establish contact with you for assistance. This requires a private arrangement, as you will receive these funds under legal claims; all legal documents will be carefully worked out to ensure a risky free claim. You will be entitled 30% after the transaction is done and 5% will be for expenses. For I am 22 yrs, and little do I know about business you will invest my money in any lucrative business in your country under your directives.I am willing to pay a generous management fee as well as appreciation as soon as this transaction is completed. I have all the details, all correspondences will be via email, for now. The funds in question are quite large. I will expect a straight answer from you. Yes/ No. If yes, kindly furnish me with your personal information below:

1) Your Full Name
2) Phone, Fax and Mobile
3) Home / Company Address
4) Your Occupation.Please send me an e-mail as soon as you receive this letter for further discussion and more clarification.
Thanks and God Bless You.
Ms Linda Okoro
_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam