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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:
  • "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "million united states 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)
  • ",000,000" (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)
  • "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "FELIX UDE" <felixude6@student.com>
Reply-To: felix.ude@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 26 Jun 2008 14:39:38 +0100
Subject: FROM THE DESK OF FELIX UDE


FROM THE DESK OF FELIX UDE
ZENITH INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC
7/9 ADIOLA ODEKU
VICTORIA ISLAND
LAGOS, NIGERIA

I am Felix Ude the account officer to the former governor of Rivers state
Dr. Peter Odili with Zenith International Bank Plc. My client Dr. Peter
Odili deposited the sum of Eighty Million United States Dollars
($80,000,000.00 USD) in his Fixed Deposit Account with Zenith International
Bank Plc during his tenure as the governor of the rich oil state. This fund
was realized from his Oil and Gas dealings from his foreign counterparts. At
present moment, he cannot make claim of this fund due to the recent money
laundry scandal unless with a support of a foreigner (a non Nigeria), hence,
he instructed me to sources for a trustworthy foreigner who will help him
make the claim of this fund to his chosen account abroad, thereafter he will
join you for the onward disbursement and sharing.

He instructed that 30% of the above mentioned sum will be giving to you for
your support and assistance, while 10% will be giving to me for my active
participation, then the balance of 60% will be for him.

He would also want your advice on how to invest this fund in your country.
Please indicate your intention to assist us in your return e-mail with your
telephone and fax number for easy communication.

Look forward hearing from you.

Best regards,

Felix Ude.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam