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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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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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "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)
• This email message is a "dying merchant" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "alimahmoud\@excite\.com" <alimahmoud@terra.com.mx>
Date: Thu, 29 Jun 2006 17:14:14 -0600
Subject: YOUR URGENT REPLY


Dear Friend,

As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me, because, I believe
everyone will die someday. My name is Ali Mahmoud Ali Al-Qadamani,
a merchant in Jordan, I have been diagnosed with Esophageal cancer which
was discovered very late, due to my laxity in caring for my health. It has
defiled all forms of medicine, and right now I have only about a few months
to live, according to medical experts. I have not particularly lived my life
so well, as I never really cared for anyone not even myself but my business.

Though I am very rich, I was never generous, I was always hostile to people
and only focus on my business as that was the only thing I cared for. But
now I regret all these as I now know that there is more to life than just
wanting to have or make all the money in the world. I believe when God gives
me a second chance to come to this world I would live my life a different
way from how I have live d it. Now that God ! has called me, I have willed
and given most of my properties and assets to my immediate and extended
family members and as well as a few close friends.

I want God to be merciful to me and accept my soul and so, I have decided to
give alms to charity organizations, as I want this to be one of the last
good deeds I do on earth. So far, I have distributed money to some charity
organizations in the Jordan, U.A.E, Algeria and Malaysia. Now that my health has
deteriorated so badly, I cannot do this my self any more. I once asked
members of my family to close one of my accounts and distribute the money
which I have there to charity organization in Bulgaria and Pakistan, they
refused and kept the money to themselves. Hence, I do not trust them
anymore, as they seem not to be contended with what I have left for them.

The last of my money which no one knows of is the huge cash deposit of US$9.5m
(Nine million five hundred thousand United States Dollars) that I have with a Finance/security company in Europe. I will want you to help me collect this deposit and dispatch it to charity organizations. I have set aside 20% for you for your time and
patience.
God be with you.

Ali Mahmoud Ali Al-Qadamani

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam