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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:
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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:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "million united state 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)
  • "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr John makuba" <john_makuba@myway.com> (may be fake)
Date: Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:05:34 +0800
Subject: Mr John makuba

Dear Friend,
It is with trust and belief that I write to you this today. My name is Mr John makuba the son of Mr. Tony Mayor makuba the ex-managing director of Engen oil & Petroleum Company Ltd in Johannesburg -South Africa.
My father and mother died by accident on they way traveling from our city to our village on 3April 2006
Before her death, she handed over to me all the documents of my late father properties, those documents was issued to my late father by finance sector when he made this deposit in the year of 2004.
The amount he deposited before he passes away was Three Million United
State Dollars ($3.000.000.00) in finance sector. I want you to assist me to claim this deposit out from the finance sector due to I can not do it alone, I am 24years old, I looking for foreigner who will claim this funds from the finance sector, and transfer the funds on his account, we are going to share the money 60% for me and 40% for you, immediately you claimed the money, I will come to your country and take my own share.
Looking forward unto your reply for more details,
Best regard,
Mr John makuba

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam