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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:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "million us 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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "philip mensah" <pm4good1@msn.com>
Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2006 12:25:12 +0000
Subject: ATTN: TREAT URGENT

CONFIDENTIAL
I am an operations director in one of the leading security and deposit
institutions in Ghana. I ask for your assistance in securing the transfer of
some items (boxes of 22karat gold and diamond stones) secretly deposited
here by the late John Garang, former vice president of Sudan who later died
in a helicopter crash.

Some time ago while there was still fighting with the government of Sudan
and rabel forces, funds were mobilised by friends and concerned individuals
in support of the need for positive change in Sudan and the money came to a
total of $21million US dollars (liquid cash).
Please note that I am contacting you on this without the consent of my
office or colleagues to make sure that this transaction remains as
confidential as much as possible for the safety of our success. I want you
to assist me secure the immediate release and transfer of this money to you.
one(1)% of the said sum ($21 million US dollars) will be set aside to offset
all expenses incured in the process. I am ready to share the balance money
equally 50/50 with you. I hope to start up a production company in China
with my own share of the fund upon retirement.

A cituation where you can come down here for us to work hand in hand will be
much preferred. But in the event that you may not be able to come down but
still can work with me from your location, I will forward you all the
necessary documents for the claims immediately I confirm your interest, by
return mail message.

Thank you and especting your quick reply so we can initiate the process
immediately without delay.

Dr Philip Mensah

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam