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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
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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 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "mrslindajones08 Gazeta.pl" <mrslindajones08@gazeta.pl>
Date: Sat, 21 Jun 2008 04:29:08 +0100
Subject: COMPLIMENT OF THE SEASON.


COMPLIMENT OF THE SEASON.

My Dear Friend,Greetings!

This is to show my appreciation for your passed efforts/commitments.I
realized your hands were tied up then. I have transfered the Fund in a new
Bank Account provided by a friend of mine in London .I dropped an
International Certified Bank Draft worth ($3.5M.USD) in your favor in care
of Mr.Godwin Eberechi in Benin-Republic as compensation for your passed
efforts.

So contact him via his email address: ( godwineberechi_sec@live.fr ) or
forward my email to him ask him to send the Bank Draft to you.I am presently
in London trying to set up business,buy shares,stocks,and other profitable
businesses..
Take good care of yourself.

Best wishes,

Mrs.Linda Jones

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam