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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.

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:
  • "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
  • "00,000.00" (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)
  • "high court" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Mr Bond David <mr_bond_davidx5@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: mr_bond_david@myway.com
Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2008 01:35:23 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: TREAT AS URGENT


Mr Bond David
20 Park Road,
Bristol BS 25LJ,
England
Ph-+

Dear Sir/Madam.

This is for your attention

We wish to notify you again that you were listed as a beneficiary to the total sum of £5,600,000.00GBP (Five Million Six Hundred Thousand British Pounds) in the intent of the deceased (name now withheld since this is our second letter to you)It is like this because bad people in the internet this time arround.We contacted you because you bear the same Surname Identity and therefore can present you as the Beneficiary to the Inheritance since there is no written Will. Our legal services aim to provide our private clients with a complete service.

We are happy to prepare Wills, set-up and administer Trusts, carry out the administration of Estates and prepare and administer powers of Attorney. All the papers will be processed in your acceptance. In your acceptance of this deal, we request that you kindly forward to us your letter of acceptance; your current telephone and fax numbers and a forwarding address to enable us file necessary documents at our high court probate division for the release of this sum of money.

Yours faithfully

Mr Bond David


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam