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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:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "% will be for you" (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)
  • "i have a new email address!" (this SPAM email was probably sent to thousands of people)
• This email message is a "dying merchant" scam.
• 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.
  • al_yusuf340@yahoo.com

Fraud email example:

From: Al Yusuf <al_yusuf340@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: al.yusuf330@jmail.co.za
Date: Wed, 8 Oct 2008 21:59:08 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: GOOD DAY


I have a new email address!You can now email me at: al_yusuf340@yahoo.com



- Dear Friend,My name is Mr. Al Yusuf, I am 53years old, a citizen of U.A.E,but based in england. I was born as orphan. I have no father or mother, and I have no relatives. I struggled and worked hard and Almighty ALLAH ( GOD ) blessed me abundantly with riches.I used to be a dealer in gold, diamonds and tantalite. I have no wife but I happen to have a child of 5Yrs from my late wife who died of Cancer of the Breast. For few months now I am seriously sick. I have been diagnosed with Cancer which was discovered very late, due to my laxity in caring for my health. It has defiled all forms of treatments, Right now I have only about few months to live,according to my medical Doctor.I have not particularly lived my life so well since after the death of my wife four years ago, as I never really cared for myself but my business. Though I am very rich, I was never generous, I only focused on my business as that was the only thing I cared for. But now I regret all this as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting to have or make all the money in the world. I believe when God gives me a second chance and heal me I would live my life a different way from how I have lived it. Please I have sowed a seed for my healing, I have willed and given most of my properties and assets to my immediate orphans children’s and as well as a few close friends.I want God to be merciful to me and accept my soul and so, I have decided to give arms to charity Organizations and give succor and comfort to the less privileged of the Tsunami Victims, as I want this to be one of the last good deeds I do on earth. so far.I have donated money to some charity organizations. Now that my health has deteriorated so badly, I cannot do this my self anymore. I once asked a close friend of mine to close one of my accounts in Saudi Bank and donate the money which I have there to charity organization and to the less privileged in Bulgaria and Sudan-Africa he cashed the money and decided to keep it for themselves believing that I will soon die.Hence, I do not trust him anymore, as he seems not to be contended with what I have left for him already. The last of my money, which no one knows of, is the huge cash of (Ten Million, Five Hundred Thousand USD) US$10,500.000.00 deposited in a financial institution in Europe for my business.I want you to receive this fund on my behalf now that I am still alive and disburse 40% of it to Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma Victims, And Mudslide Earthquake Victims in Asia.40% for my only child for his upbringing as you will be responsible for his education, health and other activities.Remaining 20% will be for you for your honest and caring in this project. So I need your urgent reply so that I will not have to go on sourcing for a credible person to handle this project.Please if this is what you can handle kindly respond back to me with the information below. (1) Your Full Names: (2) Your Contact Address (3) Your Phone/Fax number (4) Your Age (5) Your Company’s name and Occupation Note; The above information should be send to my personal email to enable me receive it personally for this project.I will be waiting to receive the above information as soon as possible for further details.Best Regards For: Mr.Al Yusuf

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam