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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• 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.

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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:
  • "million united states 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)
  • "dormant account" (Banks mentioned in 419 scams are always fake (real banks don't communicate using mobile phones or free webmail addresses))
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: mr titi fani <r.associate5@yahoo.co.uk>
Reply-To: mr.titifani@execs.com
Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2007 22:09:12 +0100 (BST)
Subject: Ref:Mr Titi.Fani.


Ref:Mr Titi.Fani.
Investec S.A.
Attn:Sir.
Good day, I want to drop you a quick note because I do not hear back from you concerning the information I sent to you the other day.Incase you did not receive the letter introducing my intent.
I discovered a dormant account in my office, as Auditor with Investec Bank of Africa. It will be in my interest to transfer this fund worth Eight Million United States Dollars in an account offshore. If you can be a collaborator/partner to this please indicate interest immediately for us to proceed.
Remember this is absolutely confidential, as I am seeking your assistance as the beneficiary of this unclaimed funds, since we are not allowed to operate a foreign account, I have reposed my confidence in you and hope that you will not let me down.

I look forward to hearing from you with your full name and address and contact phone number asp.

My Regards,
Mr Fani Titi


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam