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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:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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• What can you do when you receive 419 spam
  
  
• 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:
  • "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. )
• This email message is a "dying merchant" 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.
  • egobiaegobiaegobiaegobiaegobia1@yahoo.co.jp

Fraud email example:

From: "Mrs. Linda Egobia" <egobiaegobiaegobiaegobiaegobia1@yahoo.co.jp>
Reply-To: pppegobia11@yahoo.co.in
Date: Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:56:42 +0900 (JST)
Subject: GOD BLESS YOU!!!

$B?7$7$$%a!<%k%"%I%l%9$r$*CN$i$;$7$^$9?7$7$$%a!<%k%"%I%l%9!'(B egobiaegobiaegobiaegobiaegobia1@yahoo.co.jp

I am Mrs Linda, I have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and right now I have only about a few months to live, according to medical experts. I have ($11.3.000.00)} in a Security Company abroad. I want you to help me claim this deposit and use it for charity organizations.for more details.

- Mrs. Linda Egobia

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam