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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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "your urgent reply" (they are rushing you so you don't have time to think properly)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: david_lentz2@yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2006 14:07:17 -0800
Subject: RE:URGENT

Mr.David Lentz
Credit Officer,
Bank Of London
25 Gresham Street
London EC2V 7HN.

Dear Friend,
I am Mr. David Lentz,Credit Officer Bank Of London EC2V 7HN.
I have a sincere and very confidential business proposition
for you.On october 6th 1999, a Chinese Consultant /
Contractor with the British Ministry of Agricuture, Mr. Li
Chow Wai made a (Fixed) Deposit for twelve calendar months,
valued at £12,500,000.00 (Twelve million, five hundred
thousand British pounds) in my branch.Upon maturity, I sent
a routine notification to his forwarding address but got no
reply.

After a month, we sent a reminder and finally we discovered
from his contract employers, the British Ministry of
Agriculture Said that Mr.Li Chow Wai died after a brief
illness on postrate cancer. On further indept investigation,
I found out that he died without
notifying anybody about the deposit in my bank.This sum of
£12,500,000.00 is still sitting in my Bank and the
interest is being rolled over with the principal sum at the
end of each year. No one will ever come forward to claim it.

According to the British Law, under the London constitution
at the
expiration of 6 (Six) years, such funds will revert to the
ownership of the Government for financing military
operations on defence affairs, such as purchasing of arms
and ammunitions for the military.Against this backdrop, my
suggestion to you is that I will like you as a foreigner to
stand as the next of kin to Mr. Li Chow Wai so that you
will be able to receive his funds.

The money will be paid into your account for us to share in
the ratio
of 60% for me and 40% for you on your assistance.There is no
risk at all as all the paperwork for this transaction will
be done by my attorney and with my position as the
Accounting Officer, guarantees the successful execution of
this transaction. If you are interested, please reply
immediately.Upon your response, I shall then provide you
with more details and that will help you understand the
transaction.

You should observe utmost confidentiality, and rest assured
that this transaction would be most profitable for both of
us because I shall require your assistance to invest my
share in your country.Awaiting your urgent reply.

Thanks and regards.
Mr.David Lentz

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam