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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
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• 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.

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:
  • "terrorist clearance certificate" ("anti-terrorist", "anti-money laundering" or "drug-free" certificates are a common way for criminals in fake lottery scams and other Advance Fee scams to get you to send money to them. There are no such certificates in the real banking world. )
  • "clearance certificate" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. Never ever send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally. )
  • "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)
  • "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)
  • "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)
  • "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• 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.
  • natwestbranch.surrey@inmail24.com

Fraud email example:

From: "Cole Andrew" <andrewcole@mailbox.hu>
Date: Wed, 21 May 2008 09:38:42 +0200
Subject: Payment Order


Payment Order


I am Robert B. Zoellick, the President of World Bank Auditors Switzerland.
This is to bring to your notice that my office has taking over all the money
Transaction originated from any part of African and Europe countries as
Contract payment, Fund inheritance or Lottery Winning due to
Unauthorized/incapability of financial institutions/security companies In
releasing such huge sum of money due to terrorist and money Laundry
activities going on world wide.


The World Bank Group has Mandated the NatWest, Bank to release funds to
beneficiaries through Telex Wire Transfer, Hence Your Name appears as one of
The fund beneficiaries whom their fund was successfully cleared recently
From Terrorist and Money laundry and your money will be released to you
Through Telex Wire Transfer that is the only way you would receive Your
money to avoid paying excess charges.


As regards to this arrangement, you are advised to contact the telex
director Mr.Andrew Cole through his direct E-mail
natwestbranch.surrey@inmail24.com to transfer your fund into your bank
Account that you would provide.


You are therefore advised to forward your direct telephone numbers, Your
complete name and your mailing address including your Banking Details to
Mr.Andrew Cole of NatWest, Bank for Immediate release of your money, Most
importantly be aware that TWELVE MILLION Dollars Only (US12, 000,000.00)
was
allocated to you, be also informed That the Fund Approvals and
authorization documents Including Antiterrorist Clearance Certificate was
issued in your name and has been handed over To Mr.Andrew Cole to release to
you through any faster courier company. Therefore be aware that your fund
has obtained all her clearance to be released to you.


Finally Mr.Andrew Cole is standby to receive your communication and Release
your fund to you through Telex Wire Transfer Without further delay. Make
your contact directly to Mr.Andrew Cole through E-mail
natwestbranch.surrey@inmail24.com any time because we are working 24 Hours
to be able to meet with the mandate given by the World Bank.


It is more better that you make your contact to Mr.Andrew Cole Through
email
for more detailed information as he is a very busy Man.


Thanks for Your Cooperation.
Robert B. Zoellick
World Bank Auditors.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam