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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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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 friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "huge sum of money" (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)
  • "million us 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)
  • "million pounds" (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.

Fraud email example:

From: Nicholas Elmer <nicholaselmer.84@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <nicholaselmer15@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:02:39 +0300
Subject: EXTREMELY URGENT/READ AND REPLY



From:Mr.Nicholas ElmerSmith & Williamson Private Banking Services Riding House Extension, London, Uk Dear Friend, I am Mr. Nicholas Elmer, the accounting officer-in charge of the private investment section of the above named Finance house. I have decided to contact you on a business transfer that requires confidentiality, trust and transparency,where both of us have a lot to benefit, during my investigation and auditing in the accounts section, my department came across a huge sum of money belonging to a deceased person, a foreigner who died on January 7, 2005 in an auto crash. This Fund has been dormant in his account in the private investment dept without any claim to this fund in our custody, either from his family or relation. The said amount is (7.5 million pounds)which is about ($15 million US Dollars). As it might interest you to know, I got your contact through international business enquiry and my search for a trust worthy business partner that can handle a business of this magnitude meanwhile all arrangement to put claim to this fund in your name as the bonafide next of kin to the deceased,and get the required approval to transfer this money to a foreign account, have been put in place. While the next line of action to conclude this transaction in the next 10 working days, will be relayed to you as Soon as you indicate your interest in this transaction.I must also inform you that upon the completion of this transaction, you will be entitled to 40% of the total sum as gratification, for your role and assistance, while the balance will be for me as the owner of the funds. Please, you have been advised to keep this to your self since I am still in service and intend to retire after I conclude this project. I will be monitoring the whole situation here until you confirm the money in your account. Then, immediately, I shall come down to the country of your nominated account for subsequent sharing of the Funds according to percentages previously indicated and further investment. Yours faithfully, Mr.Nicholas Elmer.
_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam