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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery 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:

• 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:
  • "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
  • "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
• 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.
  • dicksonmboma@rediffmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: Mr Dickson Mbomago <dicksonmbo14@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <dicksonmboma@rediffmail.com>
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007 04:37:43 +0200
Subject: Mutual Benefit Investment




Dear Sir/Madam

I have been instructed by my colleagues to look for partners who can assist us execute an urgent business transaction involving huge profits and international cooperation.
We are interested in the importation of Solar Panels,Agricultural equipment, computer accessories and Mining equipment. We need a foreign partner who can also assist help us with a transaction involving Some Hugh Amount of Money, which has been set-aside in an escrow account.
We have resolved that a negotiable percentage will be your commission for participating in this transaction on our behalf and any other assistance you may give in this deal.
Moreso,a percentage will also be set aside from the entire sum to settle any expenses we may incure in the cause on these transactions.

My colleagues and I are civil servants and as such, it is not possible for any of us to operate a foreign account directly; hence we are soliciting your support. We propose to finalize the transaction in ten working days.If this proposal is accepted please respond to us via e-mail to enable us provide you with the detailed modalities for the successful completion of the project.

I would also suppose you'd prefer a voice contact which requires sending your telephone and fax numbers to facilitate the various processes.There is no risk involved we just need an international contact,it will be of great importance if you provide me with your telephone/fax details,so we can have a more detailed conversation regarding the whole project.
Finally, if you are not interested in this proposal,I apologize on behalf of myself and my colleagues for any inconvenience.
Yours Sincerely,
Mr Dickson Mbomago

Private Email:dicksonmboma@rediffmail.com
_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam