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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• 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:
  • "a security company " (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. )
  • "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)
  • "abidjan" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a orphan scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "linda lucas" <misslindalucas4@fastwebmail.it>
Reply-To: misslinda_lucas1@yahoo.it
Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2008 19:42:14 +0200
Subject: Dearest Friend,


Dearest Friend,

I am delighted to write to you. My name is Linda Lucas, I am sorry if this
mail will come to you as an embarrassment or a surprise, I just felt like
emptying myself to you ,I decided to confide in you, as i am faced with
total frustration and hardship. My Ernest prayer is that you find this mail
in good health and blessings.

I am presently residing in Abidjan,Cote d'Ivoire.I left my country with my
father after the death of my mother during the war in our country and we
came here because my father owned a business here,(cocoa business), during
the ongoing political crisis here which has turn out into a civil war since
2003,my father was attacked and killed here at the hit of the crisis as the
rebels were killing prominent foreigners with the reason that they were
financially supporting the government against them and the rebels are also
accusing the government of doing the killings.

Presently,I am staying in a REFUGEE camp assisted by the Red cross
organisation, due to the way which the camp is securitized by united nations
forces and after the death of my father, our house was set ablaze, I was
unable to meet my needs,pay my bills and accommodation and in my dilemma
which was another reason for going to the camp, where I could at least feed
and sleep as I did not know anyone here.

I take permission to go to the town where they have internet access to
enable me correspond with you. Secondly, my late father confided in me
before his death the sum of $8. million united states dollars which he
deposited with a Security Company here in Cote D'Ivoire.I will want you to
help me see that this fund is transfered out of this country because of the
politiacal crises here which has eventually turn out to be a full blown
war.My father confided so much in me after the death of my mother,we were so
close that he never did anything without my knowledge and opinion.

All that I want is your sincerity and genuine efforts in helping me to see
that this fund is transfered to your Country were you will also help me
invest this fund in a very good business venture in your country.

I cannot allow the money to remain here, why, because of the crises here
which posess a great risk to my life and also the political instability in
Africa. I know that this is our first mail, but I have decided to confide in
you believing that you are not going to dissappoints me.
I want you to know that for years now, I have lived in absolute
frustration,tires and pains without any person around me, no parents, uncles
or friends, but God had kept me until now, which I believe that I will smile
once again.
I do not want to attach myself to you out of desperation so that I do not
get used, rather I intend you helping me to see that this money is been
transferred out of Africa to you in your country as I intend living in your
country to start an entire new life and complete my education, as you will
have to help in the investment of this money. But I really need your help at
this trial and difficult time of my life.

I am totally frustrated that my whole mind for now lies on my survival which
is securing this money.Finally,i am going to give you 20% of the total money
for your assistance and effort.Please I am confiding completely in you and I
really need your assistance at this point of my life as you alone knows of
this venture.
I wait to hear from you.

Thank you.

Linda Lucas

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam