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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "million dollars" (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)
  • ",000,000" (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)
  • "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)
  • "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
  • "utmost confidentiality" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
  • "very confidential" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
  • "observe utmost confidentiality" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
  • "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a next of kin 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.
  • hassan.gammar@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
  • 3ahassan.gammar@yahoo.com

Fraud email example:

From: "hassan124 Gazeta.pl" <hassan124@gazeta.pl>
Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 14:49:24 +0200
Subject: from hassan gammar


From: Dr Gammar Hassan.
Audit and Accounting Office.
Bank of Africa.
Benin-Republic,
Cotonou.
Email:hassan.gammar@yahoo.com <Email%3Ahassan.gammar@yahoo.com>



My Dear,I am Mr.George White Audit Manager Bank of Africa in the capital
city of Cotonou Benin Republic. This is a very confidential proposition for
you. On April 21st 2003, A Swedish Oil consultant/contractor with the
Benenoise Solid Minerals Corporation Mr.Soren Anderson made a numbered time
(Fixed) Deposit for twelve calendar months valued at US$55,000,000.00
(fifyfive Million Dollars only) in my branch.

Upon maturity on November 18th 2005 as his Credit Officer, I sent a routine
notification to his forwarding address but got no reply. After a month, we
sent a reminder and finally i discovered from his contract employers, the
Benenoise Solid Minerals Corporation that Mr.Soren Anderson died on auto
accident with his entire family.

Further investigations and all attempts to trace his next of kin was
fruitless. Again, I made further investigation and discovered that Mr.Soren
Anderson did not declare any kin or relations in all his official documents
including his Bank Deposit paperwork in my Bank.

This sum of US$55,000,000.00 is still sitting in my Bank No one will ever
come forward to claim it. According to the International Banking ethics
codes and Laws, at the expiration of years the money will revert to the
ownership of the Benin Government if nobody applies to claim the fund.

Consequently, my proposal is that I will like you as a foreigner to stand in
as the next of kin to Mr.Soren. This is simple, with your full names and
address I will prepare the necessary documents and affidavits that will put
you in place as the next of kin.

The money will be paid into your account for us to share in the ratio of 70%
for me and some of my colleagues who are aware of this transaction and 30%
for you. There is no risk at all as all the paperwork for this transaction
will be done and with my position I guarantees the successful execution of
this transaction.

Upon your response i shall then provide you with more details that will help
you understand this transaction. Please send me your confidential telephone
number and fax for easy communication. You should observe utmost
confidentiality and be rest assured that this transaction would be most
profitable for both of us because I shall require your assistance to invest
my share in your country.

I am awaiting your urgent reply.

Regards,
Dr Hassan Gammar
Audit and Accounting Office.
Bank of Africa.
Benin-Republic,
Cotonou.
hassan.gammar@yahoo.com

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam