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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:

• 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:
  • "will come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "hundred thousand united state 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)
  • "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
  • "high court" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• 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.
  • johnowen_65@yahoo.com.hk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: john owen <johnowen2020@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <johnowenj@excite.com>
Date: Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:42:04 +0100
Subject:




Dear Respected Partner ,

REPLY TO EMAIL : johnowen_65@yahoo.com.hk

I know that this message will come to you as a surprise. It was not sent to you in error, I choose to contact you because I believe that you are honest and can assist me in this fund partnership . That you will be in better position to handle this kind of transaction with me without any problem.I wish to notify you again that you were listed as a beneficiary to the total sum of $6,500,000.00(six million Five hundred thousand united state Dollars) in the intent of the deceased (name now witheld since this is our second letter to you).We contacted you because you bear the same surname identity and therefore can present you as the beneficiary to the inheritance since there is no written will. Our legal services aim to provide our private clients with a complete service. We are happy to prepare wills, set-up and administer Trusts,carry out the administration of estates and prepare and administer powers of attorney.

All the papers will be processed in your acceptance.In your acceptance of this deal, we request that you kindly forward to us your current telephone , fax numbers and a forwarding address to enable us file necessary documents at our high court probate division for the release of this sum of money. Acknowledge the receipt of this notification to enable us commence the fund transfer process in your names and details .

Yours faithfully ,Mr. John Owen Ph.D .REPLY TO EMAIL : johnowen_65@yahoo.com.hk
_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam