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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) 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)
  • "hundred thousand united states 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)
  • "my direct telephone number" (i.e. "call me on my cellphone at the Internet cafe where we scammers hang out")
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: van@vankess.orangehome.co.uk
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 11:57:19 +0100 (CET)
Subject: WHAT DO YOU THINK?





Dear Friend,


I wish to accost you with a request that would be of immense benefit to both of us. Being an executor of wills, it is possible that we may be tempted to make fortune out of our client's situations, when we cannot help it, or left with no better option.


The issue I am presenting to you is a case of my client who did not will a fortune to any next-of-kin. I am now faced with who to pass the fortune to.


It involves a time deposit of $18.3million (Eighteen Million, Three hundred thousand United States Dollars only) in an account in the Netherlands.


The circumstances surrounding the death of the depositor with no known nominated successor has made it difficult to locate anyone who is directly related to the deceased.


With very strong feeling that no one will ever come forward to claim the funds and the investigation coming to a close after several months, the need for assistance becomes crucial, as a next of kin to the depositor is earnestly sought for.


I have a legal and totally risk free means through which the funds can be released to you or your nominated bank account within a very short time after due documentation and authentication process.


The strategy is to use my position as his Attorney to present you as a next of Kin and beneficiary of the time deposit.
I expect your response and if in the affirmative, contact me on my direct telephone number: 00 31 619 703 333 or email me at: admin@vankeesadvocaten.com


I shall advice you on what we need to do.
Best regards,


Advocate Kees van Buuren.
Tell: 00 31 619 703 333
Email: admin@vankeesadvocaten.com

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam