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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:
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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 fake company names, fake addresses, non-existent institutions/documents or other details have appeared in scams before:
  • "diplomatic immunity"
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
  • "transaction is risk free" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
  • "diplomatic immunity" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
  • "diplomatic courier" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist 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: "Sgt Eric" <sgteric_5@yahoo.com.sg> (may be fake)
Reply-To: sgteric_4@yahoo.com
Date: Sat, 16 Dec 2006 10:59:50 +0100
Subject: Hoping To Hear From You

From Sgt.Eric

Dear Sir/Madam

My name is Mark Eric, I am an American soldier serving in the
military of the 1st Armored Division in Iraq, As you know we are being
attacked by insurgents everyday and car bombs.We managed to move funds
belonging to Saddam Hussien's family.

We want to move this money to you, so that you may invest it for us
and keep our share in a safety keep.We will take 70%, my partner and I
while You take the other 30%. no strings attached, just help us move it
out of Iraq. Iraq is a warzone.

We plan on using diplomatic courier and shipping the funds out in one silver box, using diplomatic immunity.This Transaction is risk free and has a diplomatic coverage whereby the consignment cannot be checked in port of Entry.

Also,I regret if this email surprises you but rather I just need your
kindest of assistance.

Sincerely Yours,

Sgt.Eric
1st Armored Division in Iraq
US ARMY
NB:PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL ADDRESS AS

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam