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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
• Support our efforts to stop scams!
  
• How to report 419 spam to us
• What can you do when you receive 419 spam
  
  
• 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 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 "dying merchant" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: tjames1960@yahoo.com
Date: Sun, 02 Nov 2008 07:31:34 +0000
Subject: Hello

I am Thomas James, A Portugal national I have been diagnosed with esophageal
cancer.It has defiled all forms of medical treatment, and right now I have
only about a few months tolive.I am very rich,but was never generous,I have
given most of my assets to my immediate family members.

I have decided to give alms to charity organizations.I cannot do this myself
anymore because of my health.I once asked members of my family to give some
money to charity organizations,they refused and kept the money.I have a huge
cash deposit of Eighteen Million dollars with a finance House abroad. I will
want you to help me collect this deposit and dispatch it to charity
organizations.You will take out 20% of this funds for your assistance.

Regards,
Thomas James.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam