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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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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 state 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)
  • "contact me immediately" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
  • "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
  • "abidjan" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: <nrgomel5@yahoo.co.jp>
Reply-To: loiskaria@yahoo.com
Date: Fri, 7 Dec 2007 04:18:25 +0900 (JST)
Subject: A widow's call .Urgent reply is needed

>From Mrs Lois Karia
14 cite Canal Grand Bassam
Abidjan Cote d Ivoire
West Africa.

My dear ,

Permit me to inform you of my desire of going into long term relationship and financial transaction for our mutual benefit hence I write with due respect .
I am Mrs Lois Karia ,44 years old widow writing you from Abidjan Cote d'Ivoire in the Western African Sub-region.
I and my only son (Kent) inherited an important sum of money from my late husband who died in the recent crisis here in Cote d'Ivoire. Having observed the months of mourning as our village local tradition demands ,I wish to request for your assistance in investing this money in a lucrative
venture under your directives and guidance in your country.
I want you to assist us for the transfer of this sum of Five million, five hundred thousand United State Dollars. USD(5.500,000) to your account hence I will give you the contact of the bank where the money is been deposited by my late husband so that you can contact them immediately and discuss
with them since I do not know much about financial issues while the bank is aware of my intentions . I will gladly give you reasonable percentage from the total sum for your assistance while I pray that you do not betray us at last. Please it is important you contact me immediately for more
clarifications hence it's my wish to relocate to your country as soon as the transaction is concluded.
Awaiting your immediate response and God bless you.
Yours Sincerely
Mrs Lois Karia




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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam