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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) 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 sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
  • "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)
  • "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 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: Davis Williams <willsdav51@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 5 Apr 2008 07:48:23 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: INVESTMENT INQUIRY


Dear Sir/Madam,

INVESTMENT INQUIRY

My name is Barrister Davis Williams a Legal practitioner.

I am forwarding this proposal to you out of the intuitive confidences I have about you and your ability to assist in the execution of a certain straightforward transaction.

The transaction involves cash investment of the sum of US$20m (Twenty Million United States Dollars) in Estate business or buying of shares in a strong reliable company in your country. The investment will be under your supervision, control and on behalf of my client, a former Minister of State in Coted Ivoire under the rebels/government coalition regime. As a result of personal and political reasons, he has decided to maintain anonymity for now pending a confirmation of your willingness to assist and co-operate in the execution and piloting of the project.

As soon as I receive your confirmation of assistance, I will forward all relevant details that will ensure the smooth hand over of this money to you, these details would include a breakdown of exactly what we want, conditions of investment and percentage of commission that my client will give you for the services you will be rendering in that respect.

This inquiry requires response, as it deserves to be treated with exigency in order that I do not make further contact for same abroad. Reach me via the above email address immediately, indicating your willingness to assist in executing the project.

Yours Faithfully,


Barr.D.Williams


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam