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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "a security company " (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. Never ever send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally. )
  • "% commission" (Beware of any scheme that involves depositing checks or money orders or receiving wire transfers in your bank account and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere, for a percentage of 5-15% of the total. Such offers are *always* fraudulent and you will be liable for the entire amount when the checks, money orders or wire transfers turn out to be fraudulent. Any money already forwarded comes out of *your* pocket then. )
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Sonia Oba <oba_sn12@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: oba_sn2007@yahoo.it
Date: Wed, 19 Dec 2007 06:03:44 -0800 (PST)
Subject: I am Sonia Oba


My Dear,

I am Sonia Oba from Congo Brazzaville in Central Africa. My late Husband Philip Oba deposited some funds with a security company before his death,

I need your financial help to enable me clear the Deposite and investment in your country, I also have gold among the 2 deposited boxes the quality of the gold is 350kgs Gold dust. 22+ carat quality. The other box contains 50million USD.

I have all the deposite documents and ready to meet you before we go for clearance. I will give you 20% commission for all transaction and you will help me to market the gold.I will give you more details as soon as I receive your reply.

Thanks,
Yours sincerely,
Sonia Oba



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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam