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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:

• 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:
  • "hundred thousand 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)
  • "i have a new email address!" (this SPAM email was probably sent to thousands of people)
  • "contract award committee" (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.
  
• 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.
  • attamills005@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: attamills_2008@yahoo.com
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 2008 20:54:49 -0800 (PST)
Subject: HELLO


I have a new email address!You can now email me at: attamills005@yahoo.com



- Hello,It is my great pleasure to write you presenting my business proposal for your consideration, possibly accepting which you will find mutually beneficial to both parties.I am the Flag bearer of my party N.D.C in Ghana West Africa, We need a trust-worthy partner to assist us in the transfer of US$11,5M (ELEVEN MILLION, FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS)only,for further investment in your country,You will be required to:(i) Assist us in the transfer of this sum to your bank account.(ii) Advise on areas for potential future investment in your country.(iii) Assist us in carrying out the feasibility study before actual investment.On your decision to assist in this regard,you will benefit 20% of the total funds for assisting.We request urgent response on your willingness working in this respect.Thanks with regards,Prof. Atta Mills.Chairman Contract Award Committee {CCAC}www.attamills2008.com.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam