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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
  (+225 +229 +234 +27 +31 +32 +34 +44 other)
• 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:
  • "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "await your urgent response" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
  • "affidavit " (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: Bank Info <oditavict@yahoo.com.hk>
Reply-To: oditavic@yahoo.com.hk
Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:55:29 +0200
Subject: LETTER


>From the Desk of: Mr. Odili Victor I am a Manager of a bank, writing
you in respect of a foreign customer whom made a US$25M depository for
an investment program that has remained dormant for years now. I
discovered that the account holder died without making a WILL on
depository. This money cannot be approved to a local Bank account
holder, but can only be approved to a foreigner. if you will stand as
next of kin to the fund, it will be shared 50%/50%. as this is a
TWO-man business deal transaction. Your percentage will also be a
source of up-liftment. You have absolutely nothing to LOSE in
assisting me instead, you have so much to GAIN. Be rest assured that
this transaction would be most profitable for both of us. I shall then
provide you with more details and relevant documents that will help
you understand the transaction. I need your assistance and
co-operation to this reality as I have done my Home-work and fine tune
the best way to create you as the beneficiary while I would
use my
connection and money to secure almost all the paperwork for this
transaction which will be done by the Attorney and my position as the
Branch Manager guarantees the successful execution of this transaction
with you as the beneficiary to this fund. I will like you to provide
immediately your full Names and Address, Date of Birth, Occupation,
Tel & Fax Numbers so that an Attorney will be able to prepare the
necessary documents and affidavit which will put you in place as the
next of kin. The Attorney will draft and carry out the notarization
of the WILL and also obtain the necessary documents and letter of
probate/administration in your favour for the transfer. I will
appreciate your early reply for commencement of business. Contact me
for acknowledgment by E-mail and whereby you are not interested,
please indicate in your reply so that I can seek for the assistance of
someone else. If this proposal is acceptable by you, I expect that you
will not take undue advantage of the
trust I Will bestow in you. I
await your urgent response. Thanks with great regards. Mr. Odili
Victor

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam