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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:

• 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:
  • "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "hundred thousand 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)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "chambers" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
• 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.
  • barrjohnbassey@inmail24.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: JOHN BASSEY <barrjohnbassey@inmail24.com>
Date: Sat, 27 Oct 2007 03:03:37 +0000
Subject: URGENT RESPONSE NEEDED

BASSEY AND CO. CHAMBERS Legal Head, BASSEY and Co. Chambers. 14 board way Victoria Island, Lagos-Nigeria. Dear Sir, My name is Bar. John Bassey, I may have to trouble your sense of personal achievement and reward for an opportunity properly taken advantage of.I wish to notify you again that you were listed as a beneficiary to the total sum of US$ 9, 900, 000.00 (Nine Million Nine Hundred Thousand United States Dollars Only) in the intent of the deceased (name now withheld since this is my second letter to you). I contacted you because you bear the same last name with my deceased client and therefore I can present you as the beneficiary to the inheritance, since there is no written will from my late client. Our legal services aim to provide you with a complete service as I am prepared to provide you with all the documents required by the holding Bank to enable them release this inheritance funds to you. All the papers work required will be processed in your acceptance of this deal as we are prepared to offer you 40%, 50% for me, while 10% should be given to any Orphanage Home, I request that you kindly forward to me your letter of acceptance with the below details via email: barrjohnbassey@inmail24.com Full Name: Full Address: Tel No.: - Private Email: Occupation: Your prompt response is highly imperative. Yours sincerely, Barrister John Bassey.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam