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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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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)
  • "million 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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "Finance Ministry" <finance_ministry@klikni.cz>
Reply-To: mr.chrismike01@gmail.com
Date: Tue, 20 May 2008 08:40:58 -0700
Subject: YOUR CONTRACT PAYMENT


FROM THE DESK OF
MR. CHRIS MIKE
SPECIAL ADVISER TO FMF


Urgent Attention,


To Whom It May Concern


Your file appeared in our desk two days ago Through the Federal
Ministry of Finance office.you are among beneficiaries approved to be
paid part payment of USD$8 Million dollars. This has been Signed by the
Vice President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, On behalf of Mr. President.We
therefore need your above information, to reconcile with the one already
existing in our file to confirm the veracity of your claim as the Rightful
owner and subsequent transfer of the said sum.Your reply is higherly

welcome to this office.


Reconfirmation Details

Full Names:

Contact Address:

Phone Number


Occupation:

Sex / Age:


Thank you very much for your Anticipation.



Best Regards,


Mr. Chris Mike

SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE MINISTER, MINISTRY OF FINANCE

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam