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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
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• 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 united states 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 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: <mr.william2edwards@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Sun, 16 Nov 2008 05:36:03 +0000
Subject: Thanks for your concern...



Dear prospective partner,
I am Mr. William Edwards, an accountant with one of the banks in United Kingdom (Name of the bank with held for security reasons) It is due to the time constrain of this matter and the fact that I am desperately in need of assistance that I summoned up courage to contact you.
I am seeking your assistance as regards the transfer of Twenty Eight million United States dollars to any safe account; as far as it is assured safe in your care pending my arrival in your country for subsequent disbursement and further investment in your country.
Thanks as I wait your urgent response as regards this proposal.
Mr. William Edwards

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam