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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:
  • "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
  • "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.
  

Fraud email example:

From: ??? ??? <ro246ro@msn.com>
Reply-To: <onkonsult@consultant.com>
Date: Tue, 21 Oct 2008 17:19:07 +0000
Subject: Business Inquiry


Business Inquiry

Dear sir/Madam,

I humbly wish to seek your assistance in this matter that is very important and need trust and understanding.

I am Mr. Martin Bruce, a financial consultant, in United Kingdom; I would want to know your capability of investing with me the sum total of £15,000, 000.00 (Fifteen Million Pounds Only) that will be under your control in your country. This amount will be transferred to your personal account in your country as soon as I receive your reply indicating your interest and ability to handle this. If you think you have a solid background and idea of making good profit in any of the business sectors or any other business in your country; Please write me for possible business co-operation.

I will let you know the full details of this immediately you indicate your interest and also the necessary documents regarding the fund will be forwarded to you immediately.

This is authentic and risk free our sharing ratio will be subject to negotiation, if you are interested to invest with me kindly send your Direct Telephone and fax number for immediate communication.

Thank you.

Best Regards,

Mr. Martin Bruce

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam