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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• 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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
• This email message is a "dying widow" scam.
• This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
  • mrsflorence_firth@yahoo.co.uk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:58:50 +0000
Subject: Dearly Beloved



Dearly Beloved,

Please read this slowly and carefully, as it may be one of the most important emails you ever get.I am Mrs Florence Firth, I was married to Late Jimmy Firth.He used to work with Shell Petroleum Development Company London and was also a seasoned contractor in the West African Region.He died on 22nd August, 2004 in Paris.We were married for seven years without a child.

After his death I decided not to re-marry or get a child outside my matrimonial home.When my late husband was alive,he deposited the sum of £2 Million in a bank in London,which is now wasting and languishing there. My Doctor told me that I would not last long due to my complicated health issues,I have cancer.Having known my condition I decided to donate this funds to better the lives of the less privileged.I need an honest and trust worthy individual that will utilize this money in accordance with my instruction.I want the funds to be used in funding religious organizations,orphanages and less privileged propagating the word of God.

I took this decision because I don't have any child that will inherit this money and my husband's relatives are very unkind to me and I don't want my husband's hard earned money to be misused.I am not afraid of death hence I know where I am going.I know that I am going to be in the bosom of the Lord. As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the Bank,and my Attorney in London.For legitimacy,he will also issue you a letter of authorization that will empower you as the original-beneficiary of this fund.

I want you to always pray for me,Any delay in your reply will give me room in sourcing for another individual for this same purpose.If you are not interested,kindly pardon me for contacting you .Hoping to receive your reply soonest.Please make sure you reply to me through my private email address : (mrsflorence_firth@yahoo.co.uk)

Remain Blessed In The Lord Always.I shall be waiting to hear from you soonest.

Sincerely Yours,
Mrs.Florence Firth

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam