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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:
  • "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: Mrs Emily Anderson <mrsemily116@yahoo.com.ph>
Reply-To: mrsemily_anderson@hotmail.com
Date: Thu, 5 Jun 2008 09:15:30 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: From Mrs Emily Anderson.


Dear Trusting Friend,

My name is Mrs.Emily Anderson, widow of late Mr Warren Anderson,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 in Africa, America, Asia and Europe.am sorry if you are embarrased by my mail.

I found your e-mail address as a real Child of God for over a month now that i have been 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 4.5million dollars (Four. Five million dollars) in a company some years ago,thats all i have left now,i need you to collect this funds and distribute it yourself to charity.

So that when i die my soul can rest in peace.the funds will be entirely in hands 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 and effort,while 80% goes to charity.

God bless you.

Mrs Emily Anderson.

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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam