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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:
  • "deadline" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "tim hamilton" <barristertimhamilton19@gmail.com>
Reply-To: timhamiltonlaws@hotmail.com
Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2008 03:10:17 -0700
Subject: Write back please


Hello,

I write to seek your co-operation and assistance in this project. I am
Mr.Tim Hamilton, A lawyer. I am the personal attorney to Mr. Neal Walker, An
American, who was a businessman.

On the 31st of Oct 1999, he lost his life in a plane crash. My client
deposited as family belongings in the sum of $30 Million USD here in London
with the hope of transferring it to his country as soon as his contract
expires. Since his death I have made several enquiries to his embassy to
locate any of his extended relatives, but this attempt so far has been
unsuccessful. After these several unsuccessful attempts, I decided to look
for a foreigner who will be willing to help claim this fund, hence I
contacted you. The intention right now is for you to stand in as his Next of
Kin to get this funds released to you.

This becomes imperative as the bank has just given me a deadline to provide
one, or the money will be declared dormant in accordance with the bank's
policy. I will provide all legal documents to back up your claim as the
beneficiary to this fund and your help will be appreciated with 30% of the
total sum.

All I require is your honest co-operation and I guarantee that this will be
executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any
breach of the law. Please accept my apologies, keep my confidence and
disregard this email if you do not appreciate this proposition I have
offered you.

However, if you wish to help me actualize this, do get back with me so I
will let you know what is required of you.

Best Regards,
Tim Hamilton.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam