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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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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)
  • "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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Date: Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:20:01 -0700
Subject: FROM JOHN ENGLAND [IRAQ]


Dear Friend,

I am John England, I am an American Army Contractor working with the United
States Uniformed Services in Iraq.

As you may know everyday there are several cases of insurgent attacks and
suicide bombings going on here.Recently in a rescue operation,We managed to
recover funds belonging to some demised persons who were attacked and killed
by militiamen in the district of Sadr City.The total amount is US$18 Million
dollars.

We have plans to move this money out of Iraq with the help of someone
outside the country who we can trust and rely on to receive and secure it.
My partners and l will take 70% and you take 30% of the money after we have
successfully transfered the money in cash to your custody.

Once l receive a positive response from your side,I will send you the full
details of how and where we plan to move the money.These arrangements are
risk free.

lf you are sure you can work with us, kindly send me an e-mail signifying
your interest.l will also give you more details about my person and how we
can achieve our goal.

Respectfully,
JOHN ENGLAND

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam