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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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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:

• 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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • ",000,000" (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)
  • "00,000.00" (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)
  • "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
  • "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
• This email message is a "New Partner from Paraguay" scam.
• 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.
  • missjoyjjcarr@yahoo.com.hk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "JOE NELSON" <joeonnelson@ig.com.br>
Date: Sat, 21 Jun 2008 03:17:36 -0700
Subject: Thank Sir


Dear Friend,
How are you today? Hope all is well with you and your family?You may not
understand why this mail came to you. But if you do not remember me, you
might have received an email from me in the past regarding a
multi-million-dollar business proposal which we never concluded.
I am using this opportunity to inform you that the multi-million-dollar
business has been concluded with another person who financed it to a logical
conclusion. I thank you for your great effort to our unfinished transfer of
the fund into your account due to one reason or the other best known to you.
But I want to inform you that I have successfully transferred the fund out
of the bank to my new partners account in London that was capable of
assisting me in this great venture. Due to your effort, sincerity, courage
and trustworthiness you showed during the course of the transaction I want
to compensate you and show my gratitude to you with the sum of
$2,000,000.00.I have left an international certified bank draft for you
worth $2,000,000.00 cashable anywhere in the world.
My dear friend I will like you to contact my secretary: Miss Joy J.Carr, for
the collection of this international certified bank draft. I have authorized
her to release the international certified bank draft to you as soon as you
contact her regarding this issue.
At the moment, I am very busy here because of the investment projects which
myself and the new partner are having at hand. Please I will like you to
accept this token with good faith as this is from the bottom of my heart.
Also comply with Miss Joy J.Carr, so that she will send the draft to you
without any delay, contact her on the below informations.
CONTACT: Miss. Joy J.Carr
ADDRESS: No 4 cooperation drive dolphins Lagos-Nigeria
EMAIL :missjoyjjcarr@yahoo.com.hk
Therefore, you should send her your full Name and telephone number/your
address where you want her to send the draft to you.
Thanks and God bless you and your family,hope to hear from you soon.
Mr.Steve Okon,

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam