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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:
  • "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "million 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)
• This email message is a next of kin 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.
  • arie_sonius22@sify.com

Fraud email example:

From: Arie Sonius <arie_sonius1003@hotmail.com>
Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 11:42:40 -0500
Subject: Urgent business




Good day,
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$21, 000, 000.00 (Twenty One Million United States Dollars Only) in the intent of the deceased (name now withheld since this is our second letter to you).
We contacted you because you bear the same last name with our deceased client and therefore we can present you as the beneficiary to its inheritance funds since there is no written will from our late client. Our legal services aim to provide you with a complete service as we are prepared to provide you with all the documents required by the holding Bank to enable them release this inheritance funds to you as the Next of Kin.
All the papers work required will be processed in your acceptance of this deal as we are prepared to offer you 40%, 50% for us, while 10% should be given to any Orphanage Home, we request that you kindly forward to us your letter of acceptance. You can send me an email at
arie_sonius22@sify.com

Your prompt response is highly imperative.
Yours sincerely,
Arie Sonius
_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam