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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
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• Company names mentioned in 419 spam:
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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)
  • "hundred thousand u.s 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)
• This email message is a "dying widow" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: Mrs Williams Jones <lordchoosen_1979@yahoo.ie>
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2006 13:52:57 -0500
Subject: Mrs Williams Jones


Dear Friend,
First of all let me introduce myself.
I am Mrs. Jones
Williams from Africa.I am married to Late MR DAVID WILLIAMS of blessed
memory who was an oil explorer in Kuwait and Brunei for fifteen years
before he died in the year 2000.

We were married for twelve years
without a child. He died after a brief illness that lasted for only
four daysBefore his death we were both devoted to our God and respect
others who serve him.
Since his death, I too have been battling with
both Cancer and fibroid problems.When my late Husband was alive he
Deposited the sum of $18.5million (Eighteen Million, Five Hundred
thousand U.S Dollars) with a Deposit Company in Europe,the money was
deposited as Family Valuables/Treasure for security reasons.

Recently, my doctor told me that I have only six months to live due to
my cancer problem, and this lead to a stroke attack which bother me
most though because I cannot move as I use to. Having known my
condition I decided to entrust this fund to either a philanthropic
organization or devoted individual that will utilize this money the
way
I am going toinstructs herein.30% of the US$18.5million goes to
you to ensure that you are prepared for the task ahead, 60% of this
money will be used in all sincerity to fund philanthropic organization,
orphanages, widows and 5% will go to the family Attorney who will
prepare the Authorisation and the balance 5% sent to me to at least
prepare for my funeral and off-set my medical bills.

I am taking
this decision because I don't have any child or
devotedrelationswhose
behavior has left much to be desired while I am ill and above all I
don't want a situation where this money will be used in anUnGodly
manner,hence this bold decision. Since my health is Retrogressing by
the minute, you will have to sendyour RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS, CONTACT
PHONE NUMBER AND FAX and a little details about yourself, because I got
your address from the internet after a thorough search.

As soon as I
receive this information from you I will make arrangement to prepare
the Authorization through the family Attorney for you to get Possession
of the Deposit.

Until I hear from you, I pray that this letter bring
you and your family good tiding while my dreams to help humanity rest
squarely on your shoulders.
May the Almighty God continue to guide
and protect you.
Remain Blessed,
Mrs. Jones Williams

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam