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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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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:
  • "dearest one," (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "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)
  • ",000,000" (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)
  • "00,000.00" (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)
  • "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
• 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)
Date: Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:50:56 +0100
Subject: From Wiliams and Jacinta.








From Wiliams and Jacinta.
Appeal for Assistance.
Private and Confidential.

Dearest one,
=C2=A0
Greetings,We are=C2=A0 Williams and Jacinta Malaki from Sierra Leone.I am=
writing you from Rep of Cote d'Ivoire where we Have been taking refuge a=
fter the brutal war and Murder of our parents by the rebels during the re=
newed Fighting in our country Sierra Leone. Because of the war our late F=
ather sold his shipping company and took us to a nearby country (Cote d'I=
voire) where he deposited (US$9,000,000.00 Million Dollars)=C2=A0Nine Mil=
lion United States Dollars in his foreign account with one of the bank he=
re in Cote d'Ivoire.
=C2=A0
Please, we have prayed before contacting you with the trust that you will=
be of help to me and my Sister.We are seeking for your assistance to tra=
nsfer this money to your account for a good investment project in your co=
untry and also relocate to your country with my younger sister Jacinta to=
further our education in your country.We are willing to offer you 15% of=
the total sum for Your assistance.
=C2=A0
Your sincere response and assistance is needed to help us estabilsh more =
trust and understanding,please remember the confidentiality and urgency o=
ur mail required while we expect to read from you.
=C2=A0
Thanks and remain blessed.

Best Regards,

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam