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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.

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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:
  • "million united states 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)
  • "waiting for your urgent response" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: libby john <l_00john@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: libby176john@yahoo.com
Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2008 02:05:13 -0800 (PST)
Subject: I need your assistance


Dear Sir,
I have a client who wants to invest in your country and
with about US$19M ( Nineteen million united states
dollars). My client is a General in the army and he needs
protection from himself and his family.
If you can handle and assist with such an investment, please get
back to me as soon as possible to discuss, for example the
investment plan and agreement
procedures.
I am waiting for your urgent response. Please reply with
your business profile.
Thank you,
Gratefully treat as urgent,
Barrister Libby John

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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam