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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:
  • "hundred thousand united states 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)
  • "certified bank draft" (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. )
  • "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• 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.
  • sec_stephen0978@yahoo.fr

Fraud email example:

From: "Office Mail Office Mail" <email_mail@btconnect.com>
Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2007 18:34:32 +0100
Subject: I am now successful




Dear beloved friend,

Compliments of the day and God's blessings to you

I am glad to inform you that I have successfully concluded the transaction,the money has been moved to Japan. Currently I am in Japan with him,my wife and children.

In appreciate of your assistance I have mapped out as a compensation and wrote on your favor a Draft worth of US$1,500,000.00. (One Million,Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars Only) I left the Draft with my personal secretary Mr Stephen Obanyeli on my departure to Japan. I would like you therefore,to contact him on the below info to forward your certified bank draft to you.


Attn: Stephen Obanyeli
Email: sec_stephen0978@yahoo.fr

Do re-confirm your name , your direct telephone number for easy communication and your mailing contact address to my secretary to avoid mailing your Draft to wrong address. Once again, thank you very much and remain blessed.

Regards,

Danchua Usman

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam