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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 phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "million 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)
  • "contact me immediately" (they are rushing you so you don't have time to think properly)
  • "barr." (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: mark donatus <markdon_b@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Tue, 29 May 2007 08:19:49 +0100 (BST)
Subject: respond.


Dear Friend,

I know you would be surprised to see this massage, however I wish to introduce you to a business deal which would be beneficial to both of us and which has to be kept confidential for the purpose thereof. My name is Mr. Mark Donatus, a lawyer based in Nigeria.

I wish to seek for your consent to present you as next of kin to my late client since you are from the same country. A National of your country who died early this year with the wife and two children leaving behind 5.2 million dollars , but no next of kin to inherit his money.

With your assistance and my proffessional advise we would get access to the money meanwhile I have agreed to give you 30% upon using you as the next of kin to my late client. I look forward to your positive response and would like you to contact me immediately for further discussion, if possible send along your telephone number so I can call to give you further information.

Best Regards
Barr. Mark Donatus.


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam