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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 sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
  • "million 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: John Williams <john_williams2100@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: john_williams2300@yahoo.com
Date: Sun, 7 Oct 2007 10:07:26 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: GOOD DAY


GOOD DAY

Dear Sir/Madam

I have a profiling amount of $5.8Million Dollars
deposited with a bank in the ABIDJAN COTE D'IVOIRE, I write to solicit for your partnership towards the transfer of the above quoted funds into your designated bank account for the purpose of investment in your country or any part of the globe.

This is a legitimate business. I will give you details upon the receipt
of your
response.

Write me back I look forward to it.
Regards,
john williams

Please Reply


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam