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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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• 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:

• The following fake company names, fake addresses, non-existent institutions/documents or other details have appeared in scams before:
  • "diplomatic immunity"
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "the consignment" (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)
  • "transaction is risk free" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
  • "diplomatic immunity" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
  • "diplomatic courier" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist 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: SGT Edward Mark <sgt_edwards29@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: sgt_edwards02@yahoo.com
Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:14:37 -0800 (PST)
Subject: VERY URGENT


From Sgt.Edwards

My name is Sgt.Mark Edwards, I am an American soldier serving in the US Military of the 1st Armored Division in Iraq, As you know we are being attacked by insurgents everyday and car bombs.We managed to move some funds belonging to Saddam Hussien's family out from a bunker in Iraq.

We want to move this money to you, so that you may invest it for us and keep our share in a safe place.We will take 70%, my partner and I while You take the other 30%. No strings attached, just help us move it out of Iraq. Iraq is a warzone. We plan on using diplomatic courier and shipping the funds out in one silver box, using diplomatic immunity.

This Transaction is risk free and has a diplomatic coverage whereby the consignment cannot be checked in port of Entry.Also,I regret if this email
surprises you but rather I just need your kindest of assistance.

Sincerely Yours,
E7 1st Class Sgt.Edwards
1st Armored Division in Iraq
US ARMY
NB:PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL

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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam