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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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "hundred thousand 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)
  • "contract award committee" (the name of a person or institution often appearing 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: "sam toho" <scssemob1@nsk.biz>
Reply-To: samtoho40@msn.com
Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:07:44 -0700
Subject: Business Opportunity


Dear Friend,

My name is Sam Toho; I am the chairman of the contract award committee,
Federal Airport Authority of Nig. {FAAN} I am in search of an agent to
assist in the transfer of {$60,500.000.00} Sixty MILLION, Five HUNDRED
THOUSAND
UNITED STATES DOLLARS. And subsequent investment in properties in your
country. You will be required to
(1) Assist in the transfer of the said sum into your account
(2) Advise on lucrative areas for investment
(3) Assist us in purchase of properties.

If you decide to render your service to us in this regard, 30% of the
total sum will be offered to you. 10% will be set aside for any
expenses
encountered during
the transfer.Pls, quickly send your phone and fax numbers.

Your faithfully,
Sam Toho

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam