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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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• What can you do when you receive 419 spam
  
  
• 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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. Michael Anderson" <mr.michxanderso3@msn.com>
Reply-To: <mr.michanderson@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:24:21 +0000
Subject: Please, this message is very important



Dear Friend,

I am Mr. Michael Anderson, I got your contact on my personal search of the person I want to will my money to.I willed the sum of Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Pounds to you, that is the only money left in my account right now.

If you really want to know why I have willed this money to you and you want this money to be transferred to you please contact the bank director whose name and address I will give to you as soon as you reply this mail. He will help you transfer this money that I have willed to you.


Right now I am in the hospital and I will tell you my story.


God bless you.
Michael Anderson.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam