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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "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)
  • "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
  • "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• 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.
  • eze37@yahoo.fr

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Date: Mon, 01 Dec 2008 18:21:54 +0100
Subject: Dear Friend How are you today


=C2=A0Dear Friend,=20
How are you today,I hope this mail meets you in a perfect condition.
I am using this opportunity to thank you for your great effort to our unf=
inished transaction and transfer of your international bank draft cheque =
to you from the bank,am sorry for presenting and using someone else in yo=
ur name to get this transaction successfull.Due to logistic reasons and y=
our inconsistance to the other best known to you.
=C2=A0
Right now, I want to inform you that I have successfully cleared the bank=
draft check funds to someone else account who was capable of assisting m=
e in this great venture that have been over and successfull. Due to your =
effort, sincerity, courage and trustworthiness you showed at the course o=
f the transaction I want to compensate you and show my gratitude to you w=
ith the sum of $1,200,000.00 (ONE MILLION Two Hundred Thousand United Sta=
te Of America )
I have authorized Mr Felix Eze where I deposited the money with to issue =
you international certified bank draft, cashable cheque at your bank or a=
nywere as choice felt. My dear friend I will like you to contact Mr Ikech=
u Ike for the collection of this international certified bank draft.His n=
ame and contact address is as follows: E-mail: Mr Felix Eze Email:(felix_=
eze37@yahoo.fr) Contact Mr Felix Eze At the moment,am very busy here in t=
he united kingdom because of the investment projects which myself and my =
new partner are having at hand In London Finally remember that I have for=
warded instructions to Mr Felix Eze on your behalf to send the bank draft=
cheque of $1,200,000.00 (ONE MILLION Two Hundred Thousand United State O=
f America Dollars) to you as soon as you contact him without delay.
=C2=A0
Please I will like you to accept this token with good faith as this is fr=
om the bottom of my heart.Thanks God bless you and your family.Hope to he=
ar from you as soon as you've gotting my compensation and please do not g=
et angry because that is what i have for now till i finish my project.
=C2=A0
Best Regards.=C2=A0
=C2=A0
=C2=A0

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam