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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• 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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

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

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "fiduciary agent" (real lotteries do not use a "claim agent" / "fiduciary agent")
  • "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Mr Studd Spencer <agentstuddspencer01@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Fri, 29 Jun 2007 20:44:02 +0100 (BST)
Subject: TREAT AS URGENT


Dear Loyce Fisch,

All is well. The reason you have to make payment to the courier company for the delivery of your parcel is because they have insured your parcel against any possible damage during delivery. It has to be so because of the substaintial amount written in your cashier's cheque.

It is wise your parcel gets to you safely, so the courier company takes responsibility for any loss. They have done the issurance coverage to safe guard your parcel till it gets to your doorstep.

As your assigned fiduciary agent, it is my duty to ensure that your parcel gets to you within the time frame, and to enable us record your file as claimed, thereafter have it closed as and when due.

I advise you adhere strictly to instructions from Mr. Joseph Bright the despatch officer to facilitate the delivery of your parcel soonest.

It is important you keep your winning information confidential to avoid double claim. Also endeavour to attach any payment made to the courier office to my desk for file record and onward perusal.

In anticipation, I await your swift response.

Sincerely,

Mr. Studd Spencer,
Fiduciary Agent


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam