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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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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 us 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)
  • "my names are " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Ms.Viorica Maftei <mviorica23@gmail.com>
Reply-To: m_viorica@safe-mail.net
Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2007 10:38:59 +0400
Subject: please, i need your help on investments


Dear Friend,

I am writting to seek your assistance in an investment plans to the tone of =
us$12m (twelve million us dollars).

My names are Maftei Viorica. i am a 23 year girl and am from Moldova.

My father (Alexei Maftei) was killed alongside his business partner (Terry =
Ford) in Zimbabwe while he was there on a business trip in the country by the =
War vetrians soldiers of Robert Mugabe.

After his death, i came to find out documents bearing deposit of funds to the =
tone of us$12 million of which am the sole next of kin.

As it is, i feel unsafe here having the said amount domant in the finance =
house, hence, i request your assistance in putting these funds into =
investments pending my completeion of my educational career.

Please, be informed that i will be making available everyother details of the =
transaction that you might need upon my confirmation of your readiness to =
assist me.

More so, i will be ready to discuss your terms and conditions of services =
when i hear from you as i urge you to ask your question where you are not =
clear.

Finally, i hope to hear from you soonest believing you will neither betray =
nor let me down at the end of the transaction.

regards,

Viorica Maftei

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam