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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• 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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "huge sum of money" (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: Yaw Osafo <mryawosafo11@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: mryawosafo1965@yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 18 Feb 2008 06:18:11 -0800 (PST)
Subject: LET US WORK TOGETHER FOR OUR GOOD


Dear Friend,

How is your family? hope fine, I wish to make a request that would be of immense benefit to both of us. After careful consideration , I resolved to contact you for your most needed assistance in this manner. I duly apologize for infringing on your privacy if this proposal is not acceptable to you.

Mr name is Mr Yaw Osafo former Ghanaian minister of finance. I was sacked by President John Kufuor on 28th April 2006 for the fact that I signed $29 million book publication contract with Macmillan Education without reference to the Public Procurement Board and without Parliamentary approval. I have taken pains to find your contact through personal endeavours.I decided to contact you after due thought in respect of a transfer of a huge sum of money.

Right now, As matter of fact, $9.5 million part of the money was lodged into security company in europe. the money will be released to you for investment. I would like you to give this a highly confidential approach. Any question you wish to ask concerning this deal, do not delay to ask.

I wait upon your response

My regards,

Mr Yaw Osafo


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam