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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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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:
  • "million 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)
  • ",000,000" (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)
  • "00,000.00" (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)
  • "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
  • "utmost confidentiality" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
  • "very confidential" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
  • "observe utmost confidentiality" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
  • "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +22997499219 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
• 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.
  • johnmalak01@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. John Malak" <johnmalak0020@ig.com.br>
Reply-To: johnmalak01@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2008 22:38:12 -0700
Subject: GOOD DAY


From: Mr.John Malak.
Audit and Accounting Office
Bond Bank-Benin: Avenue
Jean-Paul II, 08 BP 0879-Cotonou
Tel: +229 97 499 219
email:(johnmalak01@gmail.com)

My Dear,

I am Mr.John Malak Audit Manager Bond Bank-Benin. in the capital city of
Cotonou Benin
republic, and assistance, this is a very confidential proposition for you.
On April 21st 1999,
A Swedish Oil consultant/contractor with the Benenoise Solid Minerals
Corporation, Mr.Soren
Anderson made a numbered time (Fixed) Deposit for twelve calendar months,
valued at
US$8,000,000.00 (Eight Million Dollars only) in my branch.

Upon maturity on November 20th 2003 as his Credit Officer, I sent a routine
notification to
his forwarding address but got no reply. After a month, we sent a reminder
and finally i
discovered from his contract employers, the Benenoise Solid Minerals
Corporation that Mr.Soren
Anderson died on auto accident with his entire family.

Further investigations and all attempts to trace his next of kin was
fruitless. Again, I made
further investigation and discovered that Mr.Soren Anderson did not declare
any kin or
relations in all his official documents, including his Bank Deposit
paperwork in my Bank.

This sum of US$8,000,000.00 is still sitting in my Bank No one will ever
come forward to claim
it. According to the International Banking ethics, codes and Laws, at the
expiration of (Two)
years, the money will revert to the ownership of the Benin Government if
nobody applies to
claim the fund.

Consequently, my proposal is that I will like you as a foreigner to stand in
as the next of
kin to Mr.Soren. This is simple, immediately with your full names and
address so that we will
prepare the necessary documents and affidavits that will put you in place as
the next of kin.

The money will be paid into your account for us to share in the ratio of 70%
for me and some
of my colleagues who are aware of this transaction and 25% for you and 5%
for Expenses
Incurred in the course of the transaction There is no risk at all as all the
paperwork for
this transaction will be done by my colleagues and with my position as the
Foreign Remittance
Director guarantees the successful execution of this transaction.

Upon your response, I shall then provide you with more details and relevant
documents that
will help you understand the transaction. Please send me your confidential
telephone and fax
numbers for easy communication. You should observe utmost confidentiality,
and be rest assured
that this transaction would be most profitable for both of us because I
shall require your
assistance to invest my share in your country.

Awaiting your urgent reply.

Remain Bless.

Mr.John Malak
+229 97 499 219

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam