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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "million 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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
  • williamsmar680@aim.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Marshall"<223366lll@terra.es>
Reply-To: <Williamsmar680@aim.com>
Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:06:57 +0200
Subject: From Barrister W Marshall

I am a lawyer. am contacting you for a business transaction to transfer of
funds for investment purpose. A deposited Fund valued US$9.5 Million dollars
by late client of my in one of the banks here in Europe. Please contact me
at once to indicate your interest. I will like you to acknowledge the receipt
of this e-mail as soon as possible via my private email (Williamsmar680@aim.com)
and treat with absolute confidentiality and sincerity.

I look forward to your quick reply.

Best regards,
Mr. Williams Marshall

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam