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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• 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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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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "receive a commission" (Beware of any scheme that involves depositing checks or money orders or receiving wire transfers in your bank account and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere, for a percentage of 5-15% of the total. Such offers are *always* fraudulent and you will be liable for the entire amount when the checks, money orders or wire transfers turn out to be fraudulent. Any money already forwarded comes out of *your* pocket then. )
  • "commission of 10%" (Beware of any scheme that involves depositing checks or money orders or receiving wire transfers in your bank account and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere, for a percentage of 5-15% of the total. Such offers are *always* fraudulent and you will be liable for the entire amount when the checks, money orders or wire transfers turn out to be fraudulent. Any money already forwarded comes out of *your* pocket then. )
  • "deadline" (they are rushing you so you don't have time to think properly)
  • "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. )
  • "cheques " (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 company representative scam. This type of job offer scam involves the cashing of fake checks and money orders. It could expose you to losses of tens of thousands of dollars as well as to the risk of criminal prosecution and (in some cases) imprisonment.
• This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +447024076163 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)
• This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
  • dr_mwood@london.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
  • dr_mwood@hotmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Dr. Mathew Wood" <mwood_002@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <dr_mwood@london.com>
Date: Sun, 9 Sep 2007 20:22:09 +0200
Subject: RE: Please I Want You To Represent Me! Dr. Wood





Dear Friend, How are you doing? I came across your profile and I think I should introduce you to new job offer going on in my company. We were looking on this brief profile through an email listing affiliated with the US Chamber of Commerce. I would be very interested in offering you a part-time paying job in which you could earn a lot. My name is Dr. Mathew wood and I am 46 years of age. I just resigned my job as a research scientist for Agricultural Research Institute of United Kingdom and I now work as a freelance consultant for the institute which gives me very much time to do my own work which is basically being a freelance researcher who could be employed by research institutes to do research projects anywhere in the world. Presently, I have just been granted a funding to head a research project in Scotland regarding rare and vulnerable plant species and this would be commencing very soon. This research program will be funded and sponsored by some of my American and Canadian counterparts and Associates. But the only set back is that the American and Canadian counterparts want to make payments for the research in form of US cheques only and its a known fact that money in such forms cannot be cashed outside the US and Canada. Getting an accountant in the states or opening an account would have been my best choice but I have a deadline to meet and taking any of those choices would cost me time and a whole lot of other requirements which I am not ready to deal with. This is where I need to employ your assistance and service. WHAT I NEED YOU FOR?At this point, I will be glad if you could work with me as my representative in the US or Canada. You will be working as my payment assistant in charge of collecting and processing the payments from my Associates. Since they will be making the payment in cheques made payable only in the US or Canada, you will be collecting these payments and cashing them on my behalf. On agreement to been my representative in the US or Canada, you will receive a commission of 10% of whatever amount of payment you receive from my associates. JOB DESCRIPTION. 1. Receive payments (in form of cheques) from my associates via mail (UPS/FEDEX/DHL). 2. Cash the Payments at your Bank.3. Deduct 10% which will be your commission/percentage on Payment processed. 4. You are to remit the balance via accounts or transfer information according to my instruction. HOW MUCH WILL YOU EARN?10% from each transaction! For instance: On receiving 50,000 USD via cheque on my behalf. You will cash the payment and keep 10% to yourself before remitting the balance! At the beginning your commission will equal 10%, though later it will increase up to 12%! For the research, I am expecting a lot of payments from our clients (though the money will be sent install mentally due to the progress of my research). You could make some good money for the little time we will be working together. ADVANTAGES?You don't have to go out of your present daily activity in order to engage in this Job (i.e. you can do this Work easily without leaving or affecting your present Job).You will work as an independent contractor right from your home /office. Your job is absolutely legal. You do not need any capital to start (none of your personal funds is needed). REQUIREMENTS?18 years and above.Legally capable.Responsible, Reliable and Trustworthy. Ready to work 3-4 hours per week.Able to check and respond to emails often.Easy telephone access. IS THIS LEGAL?Yes it is. As a matter of fact, my lawyer checked all legal provisions to know if there is any domestic or international law against businesses or deals in this manner. And he said it is allowed by all LAWS. So know that doing this work is safe and legitimate. I hope all is well understood. I would be glad if you accept my proposal and I intend to commence as soon as you are ready. Please, to facilitate the conclusion of this transaction if accepted, do send promptly by email the following details below, to indicate your interest. NAME:ADDRESS:PHONE NUMBER:AGE:SEX: I hope to hear back from you. Thanks and have a wonderful day. Regards,Dr. Mathew wood+44-7024076163Private E-mail: dr_mwood@london.com or dr_mwood@hotmail.com
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam