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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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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)
  • "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 next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "John Grishan" <jgrishan06@mailbox.hu>
Reply-To: grishanj@yahoo.dk
Date: Sat, 17 May 2008 13:51:12 +0100
Subject: ADMINISTRATOR


Dear Friend,

We wish to notify you again that you were listed as a beneficiary to the
total sum of £8,600,000.00 GBP (Eight million Six hundred thousand GBP) in
the intent of the deceased.

We contacted you because you bear the same last name with our late client
therefore we 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,

John Grishan

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam