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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:
  • "a security company " (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. )
  • "chambers" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: vennesa owen <resa_john_224@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <vene_owen@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 29 Sep 2007 11:28:43 -0700
Subject: call to charity


Good day,

I have not considered this medium to be the best manner to have approached you on this issue.But I have decided to take the chance owing to the less time I have.

I am Vennesa Owen from Bolton England.I am a 76 year old childless widow. Recently, my Doctor told me that I would not last for the next 3 months due to my cancer ailment.

When my late husband was alive we both deposited the sum of $7.8Million (Seven Million Eight hundred thousand U.S. Dollars) with a security company here in England.

I want a capable organization or an individual that can clear this amount from the security company and use this fund for orphanages, widows, propagating the word of God and to endeavor that the house of God is maintained in my name.

The Bible made us to understand that blessed is the hand that giveth. I took this decision because I don't have a child that will inherit this money and I HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE AROUND ME ARE WAITING FOR THE DAY THAT I SHALL CLOSE MY EYES IN DEATH AND THEY WILL MAKE A RAMPAGE OF MY WEALTH.

As soon as I receive your reply I shall inform my family attorney who is presently in London UK here for further instructions as to how you shall take over the funds and his chambers would monitor the establishment of the ventures to the Glory of God almighty.

Please also assure me that you will act accordingly as I stated herein.

Mrs Venessa owen

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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam