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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
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• 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 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)
  • "i have a new email address!" (this SPAM email was probably sent to thousands of people)
  • "mariam abacha" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
• 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: dr_mariaba@live.com
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:22:58 +0530 (IST)
Subject: URGENT HELP NEEDED


I have a new email address!You can now email me at: mrs_mariaba3@yahoo.in

Dear Sir/Madam,

- I got your contacts through my personal research,and out of desperation decided to reach you through this medium.I will give you more information as to this regard as soon as you reply. I repose great confidence in you hence my approach to you due to security network placed on my day to day affairs I cannot afford to visit the embassy so that is why I decided to contact you and I hope you will not betray my confidence in you.I have deposited the sum of US$20.5 Million dollars with a security firm abroad whose Name is witheld for now until we open communication so please send me your phone and Fax Number . I shall be grateful if you could receive this fund into your account for safe keeping. This arrangement is known to you and my son Mohammed alone,I accrue you 30% of this fund.Please honesty is the watch word in this transaction,I will greatly appreciate if you accept my proposal in good faith.Sincerely Yours,Dr.Mrs.Mariam Abacha

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam