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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:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "00,000.00" (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)
  • "waiting for your urgent response" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
  • "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
  • "cheque " (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. )
• This email message is a "New Partner from Paraguay" scam.
• This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +22993927120 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
• 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.
  • fedexmailbox@myway.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: PASTOR WILLIAMS OBI <williams.obi1@orange.nl>
Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2008 10:07:31 +0100 (CET)
Subject: CONTACT FEDEX DELIVERY COMPANY FOR YOUR CONSIGNMENT BOX ???


Hello Dear,
I have Paid the fee for your Cheque Draft.but the manager of Eko Bank Benin told me that before the check will get to you that it will expire.So i told him to cash $800,000.00
all the necessary arrangement of delivering the $800,000.00 in cash was made with FEDEX COURIER COMPANY.
This in the information they need to delivery your package to you.
ATTN: Edward Lyyn (Director)
EMAIL: fedexmailbox@myway.com
contact phone number +229-93927120

Please, Send them your contacts information to able them locate you immediately they arrived in your country with your BOX .This is what they need from you.
1.YOUR FULL NAME............
2.YOUR COUNTRY...........
3.YOUR HOME ADDRESS..............
4.YOUR CURRENT HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER.........
5.YOUR CURRENT OFFICE TELEPHONE..........
6.A COPY OF YOUR PICTURE............
Please make sure you send this needed infomation to the Director PRIME LOGISTIC COURIER COMPANY. Edward Lyyn (Director) with the address given to you.
Note. FEDEX COURIER COMPANY. don't know the contents of the Box.i register it as 1 Box Sensitive Photographic Film Material . They don't know it contents money. this is to avoid them delaying with the Box.
don't let them know that is money that is in that Box.I am waiting for your urgent response.
Below is the Deposit details:
Deposit Number: PLCC-101-PL45
Sort/Clearance Code: PLC/101-45/P50
Deposit Certificate N0.: 405576
Consignment Description: 1 Box Sensitive Photographic Film Material
Depositor: Mr. REBORT WILLIAMS Obi
I wait to hear from you.
Regards,
MR. REBORT WILLIAMS Obi.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam