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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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• 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:
  • "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "will come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Esther Hessel <estherhessel02@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: estherhessel@yahoo.com
Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2007 03:57:11 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: From:Miss Esther Hessel.


From:Miss Esther Hessel.
Attn:

I know my message will come to you as a surprise; I am the Eldest Daughter to the ex. minister of labour and works in Ivory Coast -West Africa who was killed by the rebel troops. Don't worry I was totally convinced to write you in reference of US$7.800.000.00 MILLION DOLLARS deposited for investment purpose by my late father before his sudden death.

I have decided to invest in your country in (Hotel Industries or Real Estate) but keep it as a secret; I will like you to assist with the Independent enquiries. I offer you 15% of the total sum for your assistance and 5% for any expenses on like phone calls, transportations etc.

Thank you for accommodating my enquiry.
Have a nice day.
Thank yours sincerely,
Esther Hessel


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam