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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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• What can you do when you receive 419 spam
  
  
• Spam archive, Daily index
  

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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "affidavit of claim" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. Never ever send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally. )
  • "affidavit " (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "accredited attorney" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "high court" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "cotonou" (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: "paul Boateng" <paulboateng0010@gala.net>
Date: Sat, 5 Jul 2008 22:45:00 +0100
Subject: FINAL NOTICE:


* *

**

* FINAL NOTICE:
*



This is the final notice being given to you for the claim of the sum of
$1.5million in bank draft deposited for you about 4months ago. Notice has
been sent to you on three occasions via this e-mail address without your
response.



You are by this notice advised to send your details and Affidavit of Claim
in respect of this draft within 3days of receipt of this mail.
paulboateng01@live.com



The Affidavit of Claim can be obtained at the High Court by our Legal
Department or an accredited Attorney of the bank on your behalf (incase you
do not have it) on payment of USD$275 court fees.



Please contact the undersigned for further explanations through E-mail:
paulboateng01@live.com



Yours Sincerely,

Paul Boateng,

Director of Foreign Operations

Continental Investment Bank.

Cotonou, Benin Republic

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam