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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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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)
  • "hundred thousand us 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 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr.Shin Yuu" <mrshinyuu@sohu.com>
Reply-To: mr.shinyuu@yahoo.com.hk
Date: Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:33:25 GMT
Subject: From Mr Shin Yuu

Dear Friend,

My name is Mr.Shin Yuu a contractor from JAPAN . The world statistics
shows that the economy of your country is great. I am interested to invest
in your country through you. I am in Hong Kong now with the Sum of
sixteen Million five Hundred Thousand US Dollars which
I would like to invest in your country if possible.

I made this money through a contract awarded to me in OSAKA by the ministry
during the relocation of OSAKA AIRPORT and I am not safe if I go back to
Japan because I did not finish the contract, I hope you can understand my
situation and assist me to invest this money properly as this is my only hope.
Please kindly get back to me as soon as possible.

Best regards,
Mr.Shin Yuu

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam