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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)
  • "million 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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "Helen Okogie" <helen_3sn@yahoo.com> (may be fake)
Reply-To: helen_2sn@yahoo.com
Date: Wed, 30 May 2007 10:32:03 +0200
Subject: Urgent Reply

Dear Friend
I would like to apply through this letter for your express co-operation and to secure in your position an opportunity to invest and do joint business with you in your country.meanwhile,this money was deposited under security company by my late father,

Also I would like to describe to you my advance future plans and kind to invest the sum of US$9,000,000 (Nine million united states dollars)in any profitable business depending on your advise.

Your able co-operation is to become my partner in this transaction and your country as well as create ideas on how this money will be invested and the type of
investment after the money is transferred to your custody with your assistance and co-operation. As I have not had the pleasure of demonstrating the advantages of this investment. Because i am a Refugee

Meanwhile, in your response I would like you to indicate your willingness to handle this transaction sincerely by protecting my interest and upon your acceptance of this proposal, I would appreciate us to discuss the details and mutually agree on your
percentage interest or share holding for helping me to secure the transfer of the asset and investing it. I shall be glad to reserve this respect and opportunity for you, if you so desire, but do urge you to give the matter your immediate attention it deserves.please email me through this address.

Looking forward to your urgent and positive response.
Helen

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam