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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• 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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "await your urgent response" (they are rushing you so you don't have time to think properly)
  • "power of attorney" (with your bank details and a power of attorney form criminals sometimes empty bank accounts)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
• This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +27833343931 (South Africa, prepaid mobile phone)
• This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
  • michaelmhinga@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Private Box" <logbox2@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 14 Jun 2007 07:37:53 +0200
Subject: INVESTMENT PROPOSAL (PLEASE RESPOND BACK TO ME)

ZAMBIAN MINISTRY OF MINES AND
NATURAL RESOURCES.

Dear Prospective Partner,

Permit me to introduce myself my name is Mr.Michael Mhinga a Zambian
citizen, residing in South Africa for this purpose .I got your contact through the
Zambian Chamber of Commerce and Industry through a web based directory while
searching for a foreign partner to execute this project together. I am the close
associate to an undisclosed minister (for the purpose of confidentiality for now) in the
present political dispensation of my country. Due to the trust and confidence reposed
on me, he has mandated that I seek out a "Reliable and Trustworthy" foreign partner
who will help receive funds, the funds in question is in safe deposit totaling US$15m
(Fifteen Million United States American Dollars). This amount has to be lodged into
a personal or company bank account for commitment into any legitimate investment
venture for a pre-defined time frame. We cannot afford to have a direct relationship
with any major investment for now by virtue of our position in Government.
We definitely do not want to raise any eyebrows in the ministry as an
internal probe might jeopardize his office.

The fund came about by series of over invoiced contracts and gratification
by contractors who have had their contract entitlement covered by the
government. The fund is in safe deposit and free from any speculation.
However I have managed to push the money abroad through diplomatic
coverage to a Courier & Trust Company and it is presently in custody of an
affiliate security company in South Africa.

Please, be rest assured that this business relationship will bring a long
term and lasting relationship between us, before proceeding with this,
terms of agreement will be drawn stating clearly each level of involvement
and commitment in this program. I have the necessary documents backing the
deposit to facilitate claim from the deposit house.

The modality for the disbursement of funds is as follows:
(1).60% of the total to us
(2).30% to you
(3).10% for the transaction expenses.

All logistics are in place and all modalities worked out for a smooth
actualization of the transaction within the next few working days of
commencement.Also be informed that we are conceeding so much of the funds
to you because we shall be providing you with all documents relating to
the consignments and also a power of attorney vesting you with the sole
power to act for and on our behalf.You will be reimbursed with all
expenses incured in the process of closing this deal such as cost of
transportation to the security firm and all.

For further details as to the workability of this transaction.please reach
me as soon as possible for further clarification.
Please, on receipt of this mail send me an email on

michaelmhinga@yahoo.com
and contact no : +27833343931.

Thank you and God bless as I await your urgent response.

Yours Sincerely,
Mr.Michael Mhinga.

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Live Earth, The Concert for a Climate in Crisis, on the 7th of July 2007 Live Earth Concert

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam