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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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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:
  • "dear friend" (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)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "barr." (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: Albert <langalbertch@gmail.com>
Reply-To: attorney@la-chamber.com
Date: Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:46:47 -0700
Subject: Consider this confidential


>From Lang Albert & Co
(Solicitors & Advocates)

Dear Friend

Opportunity to consider Confidential

I am Albert, barrister at law.A deceased client of mine, (name withheld for now security reason) who herein after shall be referred to as my client,died as the result of a heart-related condition in March 12th 2005. His heart condition was due to the death of all the members of his family in the tsunami disaster on the 26th December 2004 in Sumatra Indonesia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004_Indian_Ocean_earthquake
I have contacted you to assist in distributing the money left behind by my client before it is confiscated or declared unserviceable by the bank where this deposit valued at $19million dollars is lodged.

This bank has issued me a notice to contact the next of kin,or the account will be confiscated.My proposition to you is to seek your consent to present you as the next-of-kin and beneficiary of my late client, since you have the same last name,so that the proceeds of this account can be paid to you. Then we can share the amount on a mutually agreed-upon percentage.

All legal documents to back up your claim as my client's next of kin will be secured gradually and forwarded to you. All I require is your honest cooperation to enable us see this transaction through.This will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law.

If this business proposition offends your moral values,do accept my apology.Please contact me at once to indicate your interest. I shall send you more details after receiving you reply. The fund would be shared 40% for you 50% for me and 10% reserved for any expenses.

Regards,
Barr.Albert.
Senior Advocate/Solicitor

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam