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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:
  • "necessary legal documents" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. Never ever send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally. )
  • "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)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "lome togo" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
• This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +2289842437 (Togo, probably a prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: "SAMUEL TETE" <samtete1@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 20:52:53 +0100
Subject: GREETINGS


SAMUEL TETE
Rue 57 City
P.O Box 2415
Tel: +228 984 24 37
Lome-Togo



Dear

How are you with family ?I beg your pardon I am Barrister SAMUEL TETE, a
solicitor at law. I am the personal Attorney/Lawyer to Late Engr. Christian
Ronchi , he is the owner of Ronchi Construction Company here in Lome Togo,
West Africa.He died on the 12th of July 2001, in a Plane Crash . My client
(Engr.Ronchi ) deposited the sum of (US$6.7 Million Dollars Only), with the
UTB-BANK here in Lome Rep. Of Togo. I need an assistance from you so that we
can transfer fund into your account for investment.

I have all necessary legal documents that can be used to back up any claim
we may make since Engr.Christian Ronchi , was my client. All I require is
your honest cooperation to enable us see this business through. I guarantee
that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect
you from any breach of the law. Please get in touch with me by my email
immediately to enable us discuss further.
I am looking forward to hear from you urgently for the matter of urgency
which this business is highly needed and for more details information.
I wait for your answer to give you more information. And especially do not
hesitate to answer me because this business it is urgent.
Thanks and be blessed.
Attorney in Law.

Barrister SAMUEL TETE

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam