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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:
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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:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "waiting for your urgent response" (they are rushing you so you don't have time to think properly)
  • "keep this confidential" (they don't want anyone to point out to you that this is a scam)
  • "diplomatic courier" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist 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: "S. Lee Boyd" <sgtleeboyd@walla.com> (may be fake)
Reply-To: sgtlboyd@hotmail.com
Date: Mon, 15 May 2006 09:40:46 +0100
Subject: NEED ASSISTANCE FROM IRAQ

Hello Friend,

I am in the Engineering military unit here in Ba'qubah in Iraq, I have a very sensitive and confidential brief to ask for your partnership in re-profiling funds US $25 Million. In summary, the funds are coming via "Diplomatic Courier Service". This is a legitimate transaction. I want you to use 20% of the funds for charity, 40% of it for your own assistance and i want you to invest my own 40% for me.If you are interested,i will provide further details and instructions.Please keep this confidential; we can't afford more political problems.Can i trust you and will you help? Waiting for your urgent response.

Your Army in Iraq.
Sgt Lee Boyd

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam