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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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• 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:
  • "you will be given 30%" (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)
  • "abidjan" (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: "Lydia" <lydiak_cecp@yahoo.ca> (may be fake)
Date: Fri, 25 Aug 2006 10:17:13 +0000
Subject: Sincerely Your

FROM LYDIA AKEH,
ABIDJAN, REPUBLIC OF COTE D'IVOIRE.
Dear Respectful

I humbly crave your indulgence in sending you this email, if the contents does not meet with your personal and business ethics, I appologise in advance.

I am an auditor of CECP Bank. ( BANQUE LA CAISSE D'EPARGNE ) I am representing the interest of some persons on a business you are requested to help carried out. You will be given 30% of the total amount on complition of the business. The amount involve is US$ 15 Million. Your positive response to this email is anticipated.

Yours Sincerely,
Mrs. Lydia Akeh.
Auditor.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam