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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:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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• Spam archive, Daily index
  

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 pounds" (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.
  
• 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.
  • +447045764407 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: <drwelmscontact3@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Sat, 11 Oct 2008 09:03:41 +0000
Subject: REPLY



Attention;I am contacting you as a matter of urgency about a hugetransfer of fifteen million pounds. I have only written to seek foryour indulgence and assistance. You will be providing a designated bank account of your choice.My name is Dr Welms Matthew. Director of integrated finance of a bank here.Thus, for your indulgence and assistance (morally and financially),i propose a 45% share of the total amount to you after the transfer has been successfully effected.Kindly, state your interest by calling +447045764407 and i shall furnish you with details and procedures preceding the transfer.Sincerely yours,Dr Welms Matthew

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam