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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.

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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 deposit" (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: "Charles Brown Esq." <frank@nanaquame.net>
Reply-To: theolivechambers@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2008 21:59:08 +0000
Subject: HELLO


Dear Friend,

I am Mr. Charles Brown,a Canadian Attorney based in United Kingdom .I am reaching out to you in regards to handling of an investment portfolio.

I am soliciting your assistance in repatriating the funds and property left behind by my late client before it is declared unserviceble by the bank where the huge deposit is lodged and confiscated by the government.My Client died intestate and every attempt to trace any member of his family has proved unsuccessful and abortive as he died with his entire first family.

Do note that your identity or country of origin does not matter.I will give you more information upon your response.

If this proposal is acceptable to you, kindly email your following information to me:

A. Private telephone and fax numbers.
B. Your postal/residential address.
C. Identification/Occupation.

I humbly look forward to your soonest response.

Yours Faithfully,
Charles Brown Esq.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam