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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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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:
  • "a security company " (this will cost you money - that's what the scam is about)
  • "trunk box" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "trunk boxes" (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)
  • "diplomatic courier" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
  • "liberia" (a location commonly mentioned 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: MICHAEL KELLY JOHNSON <miky_kjones@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 10:45:10 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: INVESTMENT INQUIRY.


Dear sir,
It is my wish to inform you about my interest of investment /partnership with you.I am a Liberian, Resident in Accra Ghana West Africa; I have very much interest to invest with you, for I have sum money in my possession now wasting for nothing.

I inherited the sum $25.M USD from my father who was a Senior Government official before he died during this past war in my country Liberia. But before the war started he took all his money away and lodged with a Security company in Accra Ghana,the money was put inside two metallic trunk boxes.The actual content of the boxes was not disclosed to anyone.It was deposited as family valuables.

Unfortunately the war started and my father was killed, now that my father is dead I,the(SON)Michael Kelly Johnson , inherited the money and other properties.I will be very much pleased if you can help me to use your name and sign the change of ownership form, as one of my business associates oversea,by using your name it help me for easy transfer of the consignment out of the country through a Diplomatic Courier Service so no body will ask any question if it is a foreign partner in business they will assume that the cosignment is for you period.

Please help me because I heard rumors that Government is about to start investigation of money and property I know that my father's name will appear and they will probe me for the money and other property.

I will like to hear from you if you can or not, but I feel that by helping me will bring more relationship to us in future and God will bless you by doing so, because my father has died and God gave me this money as compensation of my father's death. If I miss this money I am going to be poor throughout my life in this world.

If I see your reply and I and my mother will go to my father's Lawyer and present your name then he will now tell us other requirements that follows. If you help me the 25% of the money shall be for you. 5% for any expensiss upfront,I will like you see the posibility of investing the fund in a real estate or stock exchange business.

I am looking forward to hearing from you while thanking you for your anticipated cooperation in this regard Please may I get your reply soon , Hoping to read from you soonest .

Thanks.
Best Regard,
Michael Kelly Johnson for the family


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam