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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:
  • "million united states 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)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "high court" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: Barrister Harry Jim <smtp04@live.com>
Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:08:53 -0400
Subject: Attention: Beneficiary

 

Attention: Beneficiary

I wish to notify you again that you were listed as a beneficiary to the total sum of USD$11,000,000.00 (Eleven Million United states Dollars) in the codicil and last testament of the deceased (Name now withheld since this is my second letter to you).

 

I contacted you because you bear the same surname identity and therefore can present you as the beneficiary to the inheritance therein. I therefore reckoned that you could receive this fund as you are qualified by your name.

All the legal papers will be processed in your acceptance. In your acceptance of this deal, I request that you kindly forward to me your letter of acceptance; your full name and occupation, current telephone and fax numbers and a forwarding address to enable me file all the necessary documents at our high court probate division, for the release of this sum of money.

 

Please get back to me ASAP so as to get this done immediately +447011147694.

 

Yours faithfully,

Barrister. Harry Jim

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam