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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.

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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:
  • "account in your country or any safer place" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "trunk box" (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)
  • "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)
  • "abidjan" (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: t michael <atitom67@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <atitom@sify.com>
Date: Thu, 4 Oct 2007 11:59:57 +0000
Subject: ***** SPAM ***** From me, Thomas



With respect,I am Thomas Michael and My sister Theresa Michael Our parents Mr. and Mrs. David Michael were assassinated here in IVORY COAST. Before my father's death he had SEVEN MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS kept in a well concealed trunk box and deposited with a secutity company here in Abidjan. I want you to do me a favour to receive these funds to a safe account in your country or any safer place as the beneficiary. I have plans to do investment in your country, like real estate and industrial production. This is my reason for writing to you. Please if you are willing to assist me and my only sister, indicate your interest by replying. Thanks and best regard.Thomas Michael.
_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam