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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
  
  
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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)
  • "the consignment" (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)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a "New Partner from Paraguay" scam.
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: "james obi" <barrjames_obi01@gala.net>
Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:04:50 +0100
Subject: NOW CONTACT MY SECRETRY


Dear Friend,

I wish to inform you about my success in getting those funds transferred
under the cooperation of a new partner from Japan. Now I am in Japan for
investment projects with my partner. Therefore contact my secretary in
Cotonou Benin Republic his name is;

MR.PAUL AGWA
Email.paulagwa06@live.fr

He will send you a CERTIFIED BANK CHECK of ($800.000.00 ) compensation
which I kept for all the past efforts and attempts you made to assist me in
that transaction. Most importantly, send to him your current Contact Address
and your Telephone Numbers to enable him send you the consignment box
without delay.

Please let me know immediately you receive it so that I can share the joy
with you.

Thanks and God bless you.
BARRISTER JAMES OBI

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam