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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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• 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. Never ever send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally. )
  • "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)
• This email message is a "dying widow" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: JOY OGEH <joyogeh20@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2007 10:05:23 +0100
Subject: From Mrs Joy Ogeh catty.


Greetings my dear beloved one,

Firstly,I shall understand,if you have an initial doubt in giving this mail adequate attention;as it has become a recent practice for people to scam innocent
citizens;but in absolute terms, this letter takes expection of such illegalities.Please,i plead with you to see what i have to say here first, before making any decision or reacting otherwise.I shall respect your opinion if you decide to delete or choose not to respond to it after you've read through.

My name is Ms.Joy Ogeh,widow to late Mr. James catty,former owner of PETROLEUM AND GAS company here in kuwait.I am 69 years old, suffering from long time cancer of the breast.From all indications my condition is really deteriorating and it's quite obvious that I won't live more than 2 months
according to my doctors.This is because the cancer stage has gotten to avery bad stage, i dont want your pity but i need your trust.

My late husband died early last year from heart attack, and during the period of our marriage we couldn't produce any child. My late husband was very
wealthy and after his death,I inherited all his business and wealth.The doctor has advised me that I will not live for more than 2 months,so I have now
decided to spread all my wealth, to contribute mainly to the development of charity in Africa,America, Asia and Europe.am sorry if you are embarrased by my mail.i found your e-mail address in the web directory,and i have decided to contact you, but if for any reason you find this mail offensive,you can ignore it and please accept my apology.

Before my late husband died he was a major oil tycoon,in kuwait and deposited the sum of 10 million dollars(Ten million dollars) in a security company in GHANA WEST AFRICA some years ago,thats all i have left now, i need you to collect this funds and distribute it yourself to charity homes and the needy.

So that when i die my soul can rest in peace.The funds will entirely be in your hands and management.I hope God gives you the wisdom to touch very many
lives,that is my main concern.40% of this money will be for your time and effort,while 60% goes to charity homes and the needy.

God bless you.
Ms. Joy Ogeh catty

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam