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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
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• Company names mentioned in 419 spam:
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• 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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "a security company " (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. Never ever send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally. )
  • "i have a new email address!" (this SPAM email was probably sent to thousands of people)
  • "mariam abacha" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
  • "sani abacha" (the name of a person or institution often appearing 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: "=?utf-8?q?Mrs=20Mariam=20Abacha=20.?=" <mrsabachamariam4777@yahoo.in>
Reply-To: mrsmariamabacha4777@rocketmail.com
Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2008 14:47:52 +0530 (IST)
Subject: VERY VERY URGENT


I have a new email address!You can now email me at: mrsabachamariam4777@yahoo.in



- My Dear Friend,I am Mrs.Mariam Abacha, the wife of late Gen.Sani Abacha, the Nigeria past military head of states. I have the sum of $15m deposited with a security company and I want you to help me receive and invest with it in your country. I will give you 30% of the money for helping me.Mrs.Mariam Abacha

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam