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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:
  • "hundred thousand great british pounds" (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)
  • "high court" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: ALLEN MARCUS <fredjean@bigpond.com>
Reply-To: allenmarcusesq@live.com
Date: Mon, 16 Jun 2008 4:14:20 +1000
Subject: This Is Our Last Notice To You.


This Is Our Last Notice To You.

We wish to notify you again that you were listed as a beneficiary to
the total sum of ? 8, 300,000.00 GBP (Eight Million Three Hundred Thousand
Great British Pounds Sterling) in the intent of the deceased
(name now withheld since this is our second letter to you)

We contacted you because you bear the surname identity and therefore
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 in your favor.

Yours faithfully,
Allen Marcus Esq
Contact E-mail: allenmarcusesq@live.com

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam