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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
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• 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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "00,000.00" (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)
  • "barr." (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
  • "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
• This email message is a "New Partner from Paraguay" scam.
• This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
  • favour_ude@yahoo.fr (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: Williams Okoh <will_okoh14@hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 23 Oct 2007 21:02:54 +0100
Subject: Please Contact: Mrs. FAVOUR UDE Today.



Hello my Good Friend, How are you today? Hope all is well with you and your family? I am using this opportunity to inform you that this multi-million-dollar business has been concluded with the assistance of another partner from MADRID-SPAIN who financed the transaction to a logical conclusion. Due to your effort, sincerity, courage and trust worthiness, you had shown during the course of the transaction. I have left a certified international bank cheque for you worth of $800,000.00 cashable anywhere in the world. CONTACT: Mrs. FAVOUR UDE.COTONOU, BENIN REPUBLIC.Her email: favour_ude@yahoo.fr
Therefore, you should send to her your full Name, your telephone number/your correct mailing address where you want her to send the cheque to you. If you prefer bank transfer, send your bank account information to her for transfer. Thanks and God bless you and your family. Hoping to hear from you. BARR. WILLIAMS E. OKOH.
_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam