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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)
  • "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
• This email message is a "New Partner from Paraguay" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "maxi okwu" <maxiokwu0@ig.com.br>
Date: Wed, 28 May 2008 02:18:06 +0100
Subject: GOD HAS DONE IT


Dear Friend

It is my pleasure to let you know about my success in getting those
Fund transferred under the cooperation of a new partner from Greece. I
Didn't forget your past efforts to assist me in transferring those
Funds.

Now contact my secretary Mr Mark Kevin his email is (mark_kevin@live.fr)
Ask him to send you the total sum (£450,000.00)four hundred and fifty
thousand pounds certified

Bank draft which I raised for your compensation .so feels free and get
In touched with him and give him your address where to send the draft.

Let me know immediately you receive it for us to share the joy. I'm
Very busy here with investment projects which I am having at hand,
Finally, I left instruction to the secretary on your behalf, so feel free

To getintouch with him.

NOTE :BELWO HERE IS THE REQUIRED INFORMATIONS YOU WILL SEND TO MY
SECRETARY:

(1) YOUR FULL NAMES:...................

(2) YOUR HOUS E ADDRESS:..............

(3) YOUR DIRECT CELPHONE NUMBER AND HOUSE PHONE WITH FAX IF ANY:...........

(4) YOUR AGE:....................

(5) YOUR OCCUPATION:............


Best regards,

Dr Maxi Okwu.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam