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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• 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:
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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:
  • "this mail will come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: "Williams Agu" <wagu11@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2005 08:40:36 +0000
Subject: Good News!!

From : The Principal Attorney
Agu & Co (Legal Practioners).
11 Rue Du Boulevard
Lome-Togo

Dear Damien,

I know that this mail will come to you as a surprise,please accept the
content in good faith. I donot intend to cause any grief to you and your
family.The reason for sending this mail is very fundamental to the doctrine
of human privileges and right. I am Barrister Williams Agu, a solicitor at
law, personal attorney to a national of your country and a member of your
family since he had the same family name with you Mr. M.A.Rice, and used to
work with his Company in Lome Togo. Here in after shall be referred to as my
client.

On the 25TH FEB 2002, my client,his wife and their only daughter were
involved in a car accident along Nouvissi express Road. All occupants of the
vehicle unfortunately lost there lives. Since then I have made several
enquiries to your embassy here to locate any of my clients extended
relatives,this has also proved unsuccessful. After these several
unsuccessful attempts,I have reasoned very professionally and I feel it will
be legally proper to present you as the next of kin of my deceased client,
so that you can be paid the funds left in his Finance Firm.

I therefore seek your consent to present you as the Next of Kin to the
Deceased since you are at an advantage, bearing the same surname and equally
from the same country, that the proceeds of this Security Finance Company
valued at $8.5M can be paid to you. We shall both share the funds. 40% for
you and 55% for me, while 5% should be for Expenses or your Government may
require Taxes. The said Finance Firm has issued me a notice to provide the
next of kin or have his account confisicated.

I expect your urgent response indicating your full interest in this great
business to our both mutual trust.

Your telephone and fax number will be needed for our easy communication.


Barrister Williams Agu. B, B.L,
Agu & Co (Legal Practioners).
11 Rue Du Boulevard
Lome-Togo .

_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam