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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:
  • "you will take 25%" (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: <kengabriel@freenet.lu>
Date: Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:33:37 +0000
Subject: Good day,



Good day,My name is Mr. Pius K. Knotte; I’m Saint Lucian serving in the military of the 3rd Infantry Division in Iraq, I found some millions of dollars in a safty tank here in Iraq, and no one is aware at the moment except me, the amount is in (Millions of US dollars) which i have moved to a firm. Click on this link to read more info about how money is getting discovered in every corner of Iraq: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2988455.stmBasically, since i am working for the government i cannot keep these funds within my reach, in this case i want you to assist me to receive the money and share 50% of it to all the charity homes in your state.Please i only demand your honesty and trust in this project.However, you will take 25% of the total money as a reward for your help, and then keep another 25% for me while 50% will be for charity organizations in your state.This project is confidential, and it should not be discussed with anyone else.There is no risk involved whatsoever. If you are interested i will send you the full details, but my priority is to find an honest partner whom i can trust. You may send me your most confidential telephone no for quick communication. Thank you and God bless.Regards,Sgt. Pius

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam