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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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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:
  • "huge sum of money" (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)
  • ",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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +27866073731 (South Africa, prepaid mobile phone)
• 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.
  • mizani1_234@yahoo.com.hk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK <adbbank46@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 25 Aug 2008 07:17:24 -0400
Subject: YOUR PAYMENT


FROM AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
Mrs. Suan Koffi
telfax +27866073731
African Development Bank, (Direct Tel/fax Number +27866073731

Fund Beneficiary

I am Mrs. Suan Koffi , the MD African Development Bank
(ADB).

This is to bring to your notice that my office has taken over all the
money transactions originated from all parts of African and European
countries for Contract payments, Fund inheritance or Lottery Winning
Funds
due to unauthorized/incapability of financial institutions/security
companies in releasing such huge sum of money due to frauds, terrorists

and money Laundry activities going on world wide.

We have received an authorization to pay you the initial sum of
$5millions Five Dollars Only) or equivalent of same in your country's

acceptable currency in the event that your money is more than that.
Those
with less than US$10,000,000.00 will receive full payment accordingly.
The World Bank Group (WBG)

Has mandated the African Development Bank
(ADB) via my Office to release funds to beneficiaries through
International Cashier's Bank Draft. And direct transfer to your
account you are to details us your full payment sum
Fortunately, your name appears as one of the fund beneficiaries whom
their fund was successfully cleared recently from Terrorist and Money
laundry verification. Now, your money will be released to you through
As regard to this arrangement, you are advised to contact the telex
director Rev MIZANI Lars through his direct his email;
(mizani1_234@yahoo.com.hk) to issue the International Cashier's bank
Draft or direct transfer with your complete and detailed particulars like
name and your mailing address including telephone and fax numbers etc.

Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Suan Koffi
MD AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam