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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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• Spam archive, Daily index
  

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:
  • "will come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "on indication of your willingness to handle this transaction" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "i would like to apply through this medium for your co-operation" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "Charles Williams" <charlesbox1@hotmail.com> (may be fake)
Reply-To: charles4williams@myway.com
Date: Sun, 6 Jan 2008 19:46:10 +0000
Subject: RE: I WAIT TO HEAR FROM YOU FRIEND

Hello Friend

I feel quite safe dealing with you though this medium (Internet) though it has been greatly abused, I choose to reach you through it because it still remains the fastest, surest and most secured medium of communication.I know that this mail will come to you as a surprise as we have never met before, but still i will want you to take me like a friend, and glance through my short letter ok.


My name is Charles Williams, and i would like to apply through this medium for your co-operation and to secure an opportunity to invest and do joint business with you in your country. I have a substantial capital i honorably intend to invest in your country into a very lucrative business venture of which you are to advise and execute the said venture over there for the mutual benefits of both of us.


Your able co-operation is to become my business partner in your country and create ideas on how money will be invested,properly managed and the type of investment after the money is transferred to your custody. Meanwhile,on indication of your willingness to handle this transaction sincerely by protecting our interests and upon your acceptance of this proposal,I would furnish you with the full
detailed information,procedure, amount involve, and kind of investment,under your proper management and care.

I shall be glad to reserve this respect and opportunity for you,if you so desire,but do urge you to give the matter your immediate attention it deserves. If this proposal is acceptable by you,please do not make undue advantage of the trust i bestow on you,and your urgent reply is highly needed
today,for more detailed and oral talks.


Best regards,and have a great day.


Yours Faithfully,
Charles Williams

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam