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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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• Spam archive, Daily index
  

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:
  • "will come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "huge sum of money" (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)
  • "million british pounds" (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)
  • ",000,000" (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)
  • "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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Den Stevenson <dennmr2@msn.com>
Reply-To: <mrdenn44008@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:12:07 +0000
Subject: Letter From Mr Dennis



Letter From Mr Dennis
Hello,I plead for your tolerance. I know this proposal will come to you as a surprise, especially when you do not know the writer, considering the huge sum of money involved which could make any apprehensive. Let me start by introducing myself to you, I am Mr. Den Stevenson, the head of accounting department of my bank, where am presently working in England. I am seeking your consent to present you as a trustee. This business is strictly legitimate; if this proposal satisfies you, please respond to me. For more details, and do include your private Telephone number, Your Full Names, Address and Your age/Employment status. Hoping to hear from you soonest and establish a long lasting mutual beneficial business relationship with you. And the money involved is {£15,000,000.00} Fifteen Million British Pounds.Contact Me: mrden0060@yahoo.co.ukSincerely, Mr. Dennis Stevenson.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam