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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
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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:
  • "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
  • "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Munis Wood <munis_wood10@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: munis_wood0002@yahoo.com
Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2007 01:45:40 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re:{Spam?} UPDATE ME URGENT.


Dear Fr Nadja Osterzer,

Good day and how is your work today.I received a mail from the Courier company dated 14/08/2007 that you have not yet comply with then .What is really the matter with you Ms Nadja Osterzer.I had already instructed the senior payment office to get your winning certificate for you to view at list that will show you that is real.


Each time i sent you an email you sent me auto response what is the meaning of that.I am just helping you to get your winning price which my percentage is 5% After you receive your winning cheque and clear you then send me my share as an agent.That is the reason why i am must concern about this.

waiting to hear from you as soon as possible.
Munis Wood.


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam