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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)
  • "will come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "huge deposit" (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)
  • "million 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)
  • "keep it confidential" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
  • "barr." (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "chambers" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: MR STANELY LAWSON <mr_stanleylawson11@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <mrstanleylawson@webmail.co.za>
Date: Sat, 17 Nov 2007 14:03:06 +0000
Subject: From:the Desk:Barrister.Stanely Lawson




From:the Desk:Barrister.Stanely Lawson&Associates Chambers 34 Wilson Road Lagos Island-Nigeria. Private/Highly Confidential Subject Matter:Invitation to act as Next-of-Kin Dear Friend,I presume this letter will come to you as a surprise, but as things unfold,we will know each other better. I will start by introducing myself to you.My name is Stanely Lawson a solicitor at law. I am writing in respect of a foreigner MRS. Ann Barbara ,who happens to be my client an oil merchant and contractor, who died the 21st August 2002.Since the demise of my client I personally have watched with keen interest to see the next of kin but all has proved abortive as no one has come to claim his funds of US$5.5m(Five Million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollar) and all the relevant documents in the FINANCE COMPANY has no record of any next of kin. On this note, I decided to seek for who shall be used as his next of kin so I have contacted you to assist in repatriating most especially, the money left behind by my client before they get confiscated or declared unserviceable by the FINANCE COMPANY where the huge deposits were lodged. Particularly, the FINANCE COMPANY where the deceased had an account valued at about USD5.5 million dollars has issued me a notice to provide the Next of kin,or have the account onfiscated. This is the reason I seek your consent to present you as the Next of kin of the deceased since I have not been able to locate my client next of kin,I know you can assist me as I need somebody who is trustworthy and willing to assist me get the funds transfered. Which the account which my late client operate is valued at USD5.5 million dollars can be paid to you, as my clients Next of Kin,and i am ready to give you 30% of the total amount 60% for me 10% will use if their will be any expensis during the process. All legal documents to back up your claims as the deceased Next of Kin will be provided. All I require is your honest cooperation to enable us see this deal through. I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law and you should endeavor to keep it confidential. If your ready to assist send the following information:1.Your Full Name:2.Your contact Address:3.Your Telephone/Fax NumberI As I wait your swift response to this message Best Regards, Barr.Stanely Lawson
_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam