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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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• Spam archive, Daily index
  

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 sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
  • "million 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)
  • ",000,000" (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 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: williams meredith <williamsmeredith13@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <williamsmeredith08@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2007 06:40:08 -0500
Subject: Dear Sir/Madam



Dear Sir/Madam My name is Mr William M. Meredith , I am writing from johanesburg ,south-africa . It is my sincere wish to invest the sum of $12,000,000.oo(Twelve million united states dollars) through you in your contry ,in stocks and real estate or any viable business. The funds are legal and legitimately acquired. Details of my full identity , source of funds and the reason for the investment will be explained to you when i receive your positive response but be rest assured that the funds are genuine.
For assisting me invest this funds,I offer to give you 20% of the funds and 20% of the proceeds of the net profit of the investment.
upon receipt of your positive response ,We shall sign a formal partnership agreement and I can also make available my detailed profile and passport to assure you of my honesty and good faith. Send me the following information: 1. Your full name and address 2. Your direct telephone and fax number. 3. Your profession upon receipt of this informations,i will call you and discuss with you and give you all details. Yours faithfully.Mr William M. Meredith

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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam