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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:
  • "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
  • "my names are " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +27731562556 (South Africa, prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: "pedro santos" <pedrosantos206@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 14 Oct 2007 02:33:30 -0700
Subject: URGENT TRANSACTION


JOINT OFFER PROPOSAL
PEDRO SANTOS
18, Petervale, Johannesburg, South Africa
Tel: +27 73 156 2556.

Dear Sir/Madam.

As stated above, my names are Pedro Santos. I am 33 years of age, and a
stepson of the former Angolan PRESIDENT, late Dr. Jonas Savimbi.My mother
and I are interested in relocating to your country, and venturing all of our
funds in excess of some US$45 million, all in US$100 bills; in your line of
business, and under your auspices.

All funds having being earmarked for the purchase of arms in South Africa,
and accrued from the sales of precious stones, but since the war has ended,
we have decided to keep the funds and use the funds for our personal
purposes. The funds are presently kept in the custody of a private
depository firm here in South Africa due to our personal security and that
of the funds on our arrival here some months ago.

You are to take home 25% of the gross for all your anticipated assistance
by the time the funds are successfully lodged in your nominated accounts
overseas. But first all we will need to know you more, and also we would
need to move the funds and of course ourselves out of South Africa as soon
as we can possibly arrange that to be. My mother and I have carefully worked
out the modalities for the eventual transfer. You are to participate as our
foreign partner in the scheme of arrangement.

My mother personally requested that I send this mail to you to seek your
assistance and participation.Kindly signify your interest by replying
through my E-mail address, or better still you can give me a call on my
direct number, which is +27 731562556, for a more detailed insight.

Kindest regards,
Mr. PEDRO SANTOS.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam