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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:
  • "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)
  • "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
• 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)
Reply-To: david_cortese@live.com
Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 13:02:00 +0800
Subject: YOUR FUND RELEASE APPROVAL.


Dear Sir / Madam,

My full name is David Cortese,an American soldier, I am serving in the
military of the 1st Armoured Division in Iraq , I and my fellow superior
moved funds found in a container only suspected terrorist money launders,
the total is worth 200 million dollars.
Link (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2988455.stm )

Basically since we are working for the government we cannot keep these funds
was deducted from the total sum which in cash is 7 milllion dollars , but we
want to move the funds to you, so that you can secure it for us pending our
soonest arrival.

We will divide the total funds in three ways, since we are 3 that are
involved. This means that you will take 20%, I will take 40%, and my fellow
superior will take 40%. . This business is confidential, and it should not
be discussed with anyone. There is no risk involved whatsoever as it is
safely secured. If you are interested I will send you the full details, my
job is to find a good partner that we can trust and that will assist us.
REPLY URGENTLY ( david_cortese@live.com) with your full information, full
Names Direct Telephone Numbers
Physical Address with Zip Code for the preparetion of the airway bill.

Yours faithfully,
David Cortese.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam