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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
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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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "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.
  
• This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
  • godmatins1@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Steven Todd" <steventood3@ldsliving.com>
Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:55:51 +0200
Subject: CONTACT MR.GOODLUCK MARTINS IMMEDIATELY.


My good friend,

Good day and how are you today? Hope all is well with you and your family? I
wish to thank you so much for your past effort in trying to assist me
initially in this multi-million-dollars business.I have succeeded,the
multi-million-dollars business had been concluded with the help of my
partner in Australia.I am presently in Australia with my family as I do
intend to establish some business concerns here,and possibly buy some
properties.

Due to your effort, sincerity, courage and trust worthiness you showed
during the course of this transaction,I have left a certified international
bank draft for you worth of $350,000 cashable anywhere in the
world.Therefore, forward this email to my secretary as below and he will
send your bank draft to you immediately:

His name..........Mr.Goodluck Martins.
Address...........Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Email address: godmatins1@gmail.com


Send to him the followings:

1.Your full Name.
2.Youraddress.
3.Your mobile/Telephone number.


Note please: If you prefer bank transfer, please send your bank account
information to him for the transfer of the payment into your account.


Regards,

Mr.Steven Todd.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam