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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:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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• How to report 419 spam to us
• What can you do when you receive 419 spam
  
  
• Spam archive, Daily index
  

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:
  • "million 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)
  • "stay blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Eric Addo <ericddo82@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <ericddoco@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007 12:03:16 +0000
Subject: BUSINESS/INVESTMENT PROPOSITION!!



Attn: Sir/Madam:
My name is Mr. Eric Addo from Accra the capital city of the Republic of Ghana. I am the former Director General in
the Ministry of Mine and Energy for my country between 1985 and 2001.I
am contacting you because of my interest in Investing In your country and as
someone I believe I can partner with to supply investment feasibility
information and support because you know the terrain.Due to non-stable
economic situation here in Ghana, I decided to look outside the
shores of my country to explore investment opportunities in your country and in
the process make good returns on my investment. I also wish to be involved in
some charitable activity as may be advised by you.I have in
my possession US$ 5.5 million Dollars which I deposited in bank here in
Ghana in safe custody for investment
abroad. I hope we can work together and make a good and profitable
investment.Due to Fraudulent/scam activities which is common now
worldwide I will like us to go through the legal procedure as stipulated by the
Ministry of Foreign affairs so that our investment/fund will be protected and
registered.If you think you or your company have the expertise,
experience and status to work with me with utmost trust, then send me your
acceptance reply to this mail and we will start from there on. I will then send
you my IDENTITY for you to know whom you are dealing wit while you will
reciprocate same. Till I receive your reply.Thanks and stay
blessed.Mr. Eric Addo (Ghana)
_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam