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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:
  • "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "a security company " (this will cost you money - that's what the scam is about)
  • "million us 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)
  • "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.
  
• 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.
  • +27834856745 (South Africa, prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: "grace williams" <gracewilliams00457@hotmail.com>
Date: Fri, 01 Sep 2006 00:07:42 +0200
Subject: PRIVATE AND URGENT

Ms. grace williams
Refugee Zonal office
18 Donegall Square East,
Jonnesburg South Africa.
TEL;+27-83-485-6745
PRIVATE AND URGENT
Hello Dear,
I am writing this letter in confidence believing that if it is the wish of
God for you to help me and my brother, God almighty will bless and reward
you abundantly and you would never regret this.
An international business woman who claimed to know you very well gave your
contact to me. Although I did not disclose my reason for enquiring for
security reason.
I am a republic of Liberia refugee here in South African, and my executed
father was the former Liberian director of mines and energy. And he was
executed by the rebel forces in allegation of high embezzlement in that
department. He deposited $5.5million us dollars cash and GOLD what about 300
kg in a security company here in South African , which he used me as the
next of kin in case of death or incapacitation. The security company appears
to believed that this funds belongs to my Father and his business partner,
But not withstanding .As the case may be,
I WANT YOU TO LECTURE ME ON HOW BEST WE CAN INVEST THIS MONEY OUT OF AFRICA
TO YOUR CONUTRY BY HELPING MOTHERLES BABYES HOME.
And stand as my Father’s foreign business partner in whom this fund can be
release to you and me.
However I have concluded to compensate you with 30% of the total sum for
your assistance as long as you will handle the transaction in good faith and
utmost trust .The whole original document are with me intact with my
father's will from the high court.
Now I have decided to withdraw the deposit for any possible investment only
abroad hence my contacting you.
Please, your quick responds will be highly appreciated as I have concluded
arrangements to leave South African for some urgent reasons soon. Soon as I
hear from you.
I will send to you every other required information that will enable you to
have more knowledge of this exercise, I will like you to send to me your
personal telephone and your full name’s so that I can use there for the
document. Enhanced effective communication between you and me.
I look forward for your immediate reply.
Thanks and God Bless you.
Best regards,
Ms. grace williams

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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam