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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
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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:
  • "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: ACCOUNT DEPARTMENT OF THE UK NATIONAL LOTTERY SWEEPTAKES <account@uknalonline.com>
Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2007 00:17:58 +0000
Subject: THREAT AS URGENT!!!



Attn: Brune Klugstein, Greetings from the UK NATIONAL LOTTERY OFFICE, How are you and your entire family? Hope everything is working out fine. I write to acknowledge the receipt of your mail, saying that you want your winningprize to be remmited to you through courier service transfer to your address, and to let you know that the option that you have choosen will cost you the total sum of (£407.25 pounds sterling) that will enable us to pay for the courier charges. I therefore ask you to make the payment immediately to our account remittant depertment officer with the following information: MACK COLE. LONDON, UK. Through Westhern Union Money Transfer and send to me the payment slip in which you use in making payment. I want you to have it in mind that as fast as you make the payment, your winning Cheque and other vital documents will be forwarded to you through the courier service that is going to deliver your winning Cheque.Regards,Ms Kate Hudson

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam