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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:
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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:
  • "hundred thousand united states 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)
  • "you are advice to " (this email uses bad English)
  • "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. )
• This email message is a fake lottery scam. Consider the following facts about real lotteries:
  
  1. They don't notify winners by email.
  2. You can't win without first buying a lottery ticket.
  3. They don't randomly select email addresses to award prizes to.
  4. They don't use free email accounts (Yahoo, Hotmail, etc) to communicate with you.
  5. They don't tell you to call a mobile phone number.
  6. They don't tell you to keep your winnings secret.
  7. They will never ask a winner to pay any fees to receive a prize!
• 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.
  • +447031874959 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)

Fraud email example:

From: marykay Promo Award <marykay.inc77@msn.com>
Reply-To: <mr.peterscott@live.com>
Date: Sun, 1 Feb 2009 13:23:18 +0000
Subject: YOU WON



Mary Kay Cosmetics Inc.

Promo
Award Department.

Dollars,
Texas 75379-9045

U.S.A


NOTIFICATION



We happily announce to you the Mary Kay Cosmetics Inc. computer draw
promo award , held on the 12th January 2009 in Dallas-Texas U.S.A.Your
email address attach to a winning ticket number :(RR88477670R91) which
subsequently won you the award in the 1st category. You are there fore been
approved to claim a total sum of US$200.000.00 (Two hundred thousand United States dollars) in cheque.



This is from a total cash of US$10.000.000.00 shared amongst winners. Please
note that your lucky winning number fall within our United
Kingdom representative in Bristol, United Kingdom
as indicate on your coupon.



In view of this, your US$200.000.00 (Two hundred thousand United States Dollars) will be released to you
by our promo agent in United
Kingdom . Our promo agent will immediately
commence the process to facilitate the release of your cheque as soon as you
contact him.



All participants where selected randomly from the World Wide Web sites and guest books through
computer draw system and extracted from 150 individuals and companies. This
promotion takes place annually and is sponsored by Mary Kay Cosmetics Inc and
associate to encourage the use of Mary Kay Cosmetics product world wide.



For security reasons you are advice to keep you winning information
confidential till your claim is processed and your cheque delivered to your
nominated address through an approved delivery agency appointed specially for
this program.



This is part of our precautionary measure to avoid double claiming and
unwarranted abuse of this program by some individuals, please be warned.

To file for your claim, please contact by e-mail first our promo agent in United Kingdom :

******************************************************************************

Name: Mr. Peter Scott

Address: Bristol, 2809


United Kingdom.

Telephone: +447031874959

Fax: +447017778678

E-mail: mr.peterscott@live.com



********************************************************************************

To avoid unnecessary delays and complications, you are to contact the promo
agent with the following details details below:





1. Your full name............................................

2. Contact Address............................................

3. Telephone number............................................

4. Fax Number...........................................................

5. Nationality/
Country............................................

6. Date of Birth......................................................

7. Age/Sex.........................................

8. Occupation.............................................



Always quote your ticket number in any of your correspondence with us our
designated agent. Winners under 18 years of age will be automatically
disqualified.



Congratulation, Once more from all member and staff of Mary Kay Cosmetics Inc.



You are to contact the promo agent directly.



Sincerely.



Mrs. Amanda Lee



Promo Award Co-Ordinator.

Mary Kay cosmetics Inc.

Award department

Dallas, Texas
75379-9045

U.S.A.

www.marykaytribute.com

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam