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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
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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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "frank don" <frdon0046@superposta.com>
Date: Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:58:37 +0100
Subject: CONTACT MY SECRETARY FOR YOUR ( 1.2 MILLION USD)


My Dear Friend,

This is to thank you for your effort.I understand that your hands were
tried.Not to worry.
I have succeeded,the money has been transfered into the account provided by
a newly found friend of mine in Australia.

To compensate for your past assistance and commitments,i have dropped an
International Certifie Bank Draft of $1.200.000.00 u.s.d for you.
I am in Australia with my family presently.I do intend to establish some
business concerns here,and possibly buy some properties.

Contact my Secretary in Benin-Republic Mr,Obum Nweke you can email him with
this emai address:
(obum_nweke2008@live.fr) Forward my mail to him,then ask him to send the
cheque to you,
And forward him your imformation such as;

Your Full Name..... Delivery address..... phone number......... email
address.......

Take good care of your self

Regards,
Dr, Frank Don

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam