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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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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)
  • "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)
• This email message is a "dying widow" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "lucy_hamisu@yahoo.com" <mrs_lucy2@gazeta.pl>
Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 21:11:10 -0800
Subject: God Bless You Dear Friend,


*God Bless You Dear Friend, *
**
*My name is Mrs.Lucy Hamisu , widow to Late ENGR. ABBAS Hamisu ,former owner
of PETROLEUM AND GAS company ,here in Benin Republic .I am 68years old,
suffering from long time cancer of the breast.From all indications my
condition is really deteriorating and it's quite obvious that I won't live
more than 2 months according to my doctors.This is because the cancer stage
has gotten to a very bad stage.I dont want your pity but I need your trust.*
**
*My late husband died early last year from heart attack, and during the
period of our marriage we couldn't produce any child. My late husband was
very wealthy and after his death,I inherited all his business and wealth.The
doctor has advised me that I will not live for more than 2 months,so I have
now decided to spread all my wealth,to contribute mainly to the development
of charity .I am sorry if you are embarrased by my mail.*
**
*I found your e-mail address over a month now that and I havebeen
investigating about you to know if really you are working according to the
direction of God so after all my investigation I am convince,and I have
decided to contact you,but if for any reason you find this mail
offensive,you can ignore it and please accept my appology.*
**
*Before my late husband died he was a major oil tycoon,in Benin and
deposited the sum of 15million dollars (Fifteen million dollars) in a safe
keeping company here in Benin, some years ago, thats all i have left now and
I need you to collect this funds and distribute it yourself to charity and
invest the remaning for my only adopted lovely child who is just 14years old
Girl (Miss Hamisu) in your country pending when she will be matured enough
to join the business.*
**
*So that when I die my soul can rest in peace.the funds will be entirely in
your care and management. I hope God gives you the wisdom to touch very many
lives,that is my main concern.20% of this money will be for your time
andeffort,while you invest 50% for zenab and the remaning 30% goes to
charity after you compensate my Lawyer here.*
*
Kindly reply quickly so that I will inform you what to do and the next step.
God bless you.
Mrs Lucy Hamisu *

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam