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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
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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:
  • "million us 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)
  • "% commission" (Beware of any scheme that involves depositing checks or money orders or receiving wire transfers in your bank account and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere, for a percentage of 5-15% of the total. Such offers are *always* fraudulent and you will be liable for the entire amount when the checks, money orders or wire transfers turn out to be fraudulent. Any money already forwarded comes out of *your* pocket then. )
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: jaykay.kay1 <jaykay.kay1@googlemail.com>
Reply-To: jk.barnett@informaticos.com
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:40:25 +0100
Subject: Business Proposal.........


Hello Sir/Madame,

My name is Johnson Barnett.a Financial Consultant/Attorney based in London.I
write to you based on a request by an investor and his need for
investment/funds transfer.

My company most times represents the interests of very wealthy
Investors/Individuals due to the sensitivity of the position they hold in
the society and the unstable investment environment of our country, they
evacuate majority of their funds into more stable economies and developed
nations where they can get good yield for their money.

I was recently approached by a Reserved Client of mine, whom I had
personally worked with a few years ago when he was a Finance Minister and
wants me to source for a reliable and trustworthy individual such as
yourself,who will be willing to receive money on his behalf abroad, and at
the same time advise on what form of investment that will be embarked with
the funds when perfectly received.

The client has offered these terms:

1. 25% commission paid to you upon receipt of the funds through the original
sum to be transferred.The funds in question are $45.3Million US Dollars.

2. Your details will be used to have the funds evacuated and you will stand
as the principle owner of the funds and will deal directly with the
Remittance Bank without the involvement of the Investor.

If these terms are agreeable to you, kindly let me know and I will provide
you with all necessary information and procedures involved.

Sincerely yours,

Mr.Johnson Barnett.(President)
J.K.Barnett & Associates Limited.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam