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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:
  • "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: mr chris mike <mrchrismike61@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <mrchrismike99@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2007 18:54:02 +0100
Subject: HALF OF YOUR PAYMENT



FROM THE DESK OF MR. CHRIS MIKESPECIAL ADVISER TO FMFUrgent Attention, To Whom It May ConcernYour file appears in our desk two days ago Through Federal Ministry of Finance office that you are among people approved to be paid half of their part payment of USD$8 Million dollars. Signed by the Vice President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, On behalf of Mr. President. I need your above information, to reconfirm with the one we have already here in our file to know if you are the Rightful owner to transfer the said sum.Your reply is higherly welcome to this office. Thank you very much for your Anticipation.
Best Regards,Mr. Chris Mike
SPECIAL ADVISER TO FINANCIER MINISTRY OF FINANCE
_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam