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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:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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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:
  • "million 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)
• This email message is a "dying widow" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "mrs maria johnson" <mariajohnson01@gala.net>
Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2008 17:19:53 +0200
Subject: URGENT ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED.


In Brief,


My Dear





My name is Mrs. Maria Johnson , widow of late Mr. Peter Johnson,former owner
of PETROLEUM AND GAS company ,here in Benin Republic .I am 68years old,
suffering from long time cancer of the breast.From all indications my
condition is really deteriorating and it's quite obvious that I won't live
more than 3 months according to my doctors.


This is because the cancer stage has gotten to a very bad stage.i dont want
your pity but i need your trust. My late husband died early last year from
heart attack, and during the period of our marriage we couldn't produce any
child. My late husband was very wealthy and after his death,I inherited all
his business and wealth.


The doctor has advised me that I will not live for more than 3 months,so I
have now decided to spread all my wealth,to contribute mainly to the
development of charity in Africa, America, Asia,am sorry if you are
embarrased by my mail. I found your e-mail address as a real Child of God
for over a month now that i have been investigating about you to know if
really you are working according to the direction of God so after all my
investigation i am convince,and i have decided to contact you,but if for any
reason you find this mail offensive,you can ignore it and please accept my
appology.


Before my late husband died he was a major oil tycoon,in Benin and deposited
the sum of 9.5million dollars (Nine Million Five thosusand dollars) in a
company in Abroad some years ago,thats all i have left now,i need you to
collect this funds and distribute it yourself to charity.So that when i die
my soul can rest in peace.the funds will be entirely in hands and
management.i hope God gives you the wisdom to touch very many lives,that is
my main concern.30% of this money will be for your time and effort,while 70%
goes to charity. God bless you.




Mrs. Maria Johnson

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam