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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
• This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +447040119954 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)

Fraud email example:

From: "Sweepsstake Remittance Department"
<paymentcenter@sweepsinternational-awardorganization.org>
Date: Mon, 05 Jun 2006 21:50:51 +0000
Subject: Payment

Sweep stake Lottery
Affiliate of International Lottery organization.
Registered office address:
P.M Services. 145-157 St John Street. London EC1 V4Y
Tel: +44 7040119954
Fax: +44 7092865443

Attention:Heidy A Barrientos

We received your mail.

You can make the payment through western union money transfer with the
cashier’s name, WILLIAM HUNT,#P.M Services. 145-157 St John Street. London
EC1 V4Y. As soon as you make the payment, send the payment information for
confirmation and recording purposes.

Furthermore, this will enable our insurance company to insure your cheque of
US$3.5million been your prize winning and be delivered to you. Also
reconfirm your address to us to avoid fund misshape.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.


Regards,

Mr. Brian Hill
Chief Accounts Adviser


Copyright ? 1994-2005 The British National Sweep Stake Lottery Inc.
All rights reserved. Terms of Service - Guideline



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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam