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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:
  • "to your nominated bank account" (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)
  • "diplomatic courier" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
  • "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• 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.
  • +22997530722 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: =?utf-8?q?drcollins=20bull?= <drcollinsbull@yahoo.com.co>
Reply-To: ups.upsbranchbenin@live.fr
Date: Fri, 23 Jan 2009 01:17:58 -0800 (PST)
Subject: CONTACT UNITED PARCELS SERVICES UPS URGENT.


¡Tengo nueva dirección de correo!Ahora puedes escribirme a:drcollinsbull@yahoo.com.co



- Attn Please We have last month of Nov 2009 received a payment credit instruction from the federal Government of Royal Kingdom of Benin Republic to credit your account with your contract payment which is in the custody of our reserve Bank account here in Benin Republic. This is to notify you that your funds $USD 15.5000.000.00 Dollars has been programmed for immediate release into your nominated account but we can not transfer this funds directly to your nominated bank account,Because we are having a little problem with International Monetary Fund (IMF) so our method of payment is by Diplomatic Courier Service Via United Parcel Security Shipping Company. Be inform that your funds have been package like a consignment box and deposited in the custody of UPS United Parcel Services head office here in Benin Republic for immediate delivery to your house,The reason while UPS is chosen for the delivery is that they are the best shipping company in the world and our government has issued and signed all the necessary document needed to make the delivery safe.Note: That the UPS United Parcel Services do not know the content of your box it is been registered as a box of Family Valuables Belonging to avoid delaying in delivery of your consignment,The Government of Benin Republic has already paid the official delivery cost and (yellow Tag Paper,insurance) fee it was deducted from the interest your money accumulated in the custody of our Reserve Bank here in Benin Republic before the total sum of $15.5000.000.00 USD was packaged as a consignment and sealed as metallic showing that it is not a Drug Money or meant to sponsor Terrorist attack in your Country. The only money you have to send to United Parcel Services Security Company BENIN Branch is ($109.00Dollars being Official Stamping fee which is mandatory.Below is their contact details. (UNITED PARCEL SERVICES UPS COPERATE)Contact Person: Mr.Moris Leen.E-mail : (ups.upsbranchbenin@live.fr) Tel: +229-975-30-722.Here is the information needed to deliver your consignment box to you. Your Full Name:Your Complete Address :Name of Country /City of Residence:Direct Home Telephone /Mobile Number:copy of your id for identificationn if any; Waiting for your immediate respond once you received your parcel.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam