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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 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)
• 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.
  • samuel_konteh@yahoo.co.uk

Fraud email example:

From: "SAMUEL KONTEH" <sam_konteh@yahoo.co.uk> (may be fake)
Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2006 20:18:21 +0100
Subject: HELLO


Sir,

It is my pleasure to establish this communication with you.My name is SAMUEL KONTEH from sierra-leon got your contact from a reliable source and I am asking for your assistance in Business that is considered of mutual benefit.
My father,JOSEPH KONTEH died during the war,and he aquired a lot of wealth from the sales of Gold,Diamond and other mineral resources while he was in power.
Presently I have the sum of Seven million united states dollars cash ( $7,000,000,00),
Which is part of money that I inherited from my father and I cannot invest this money in my Country because of political instability.I sincerely require your assistance to secure the above Amount in your account for safekeeping and investment in your Country.I will advice that we Have to maintain absolute confidentiality honesty with this mutual transaction and your assistance will be highly appreciated and compensated.
I will also suggest that we make arrangement to meet and prepare a business agreement Before the transaction is concluded.
Please reply as soon as possible.
Best regards,
SAMUEL KONTEH.
samuel_konteh@yahoo.co.uk

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam