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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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• How to report 419 spam to us
• What can you do when you receive 419 spam
  
  
• 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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

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)
  • "30% for you " (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)
  • "power of attorney" (with your bank details and a power of attorney form criminals sometimes empty bank accounts)
• This email message is a "dying merchant" scam.
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: "Hayes, Bill" <bhayes@mciu.org>
Date: Sun, 18 May 2008 12:20:45 -0400
Subject: I NEED YOUR HELP

Dear Friend,

As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me, because, I
believe everyone will die someday,and am contacting you because i
really do need your help,and i want you to help me with all your effort
and time for just seven to fourteen workings days of your time.I want
you to be honest and truth full with me that you will help me with my
last wish as a dying man.
Reply to this email with your full names,contact address,tel number and
fax to enable me ask my doctors lawyer to arrange for you a power of
attorney that will give you full legal backing as my beneficiary.
Kindly get back to me with trust and sincerity that you will help me on
this regards.Here is my personal mail box: saeed0@live.com
I have set aside 30% for you and for your time.
God be with you.
Saeed Ahmed

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam