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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:
  • "a security company " (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. )
  • "% commission" (Beware of any scheme that involves depositing checks or money orders or receiving wire transfers in your bank account and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere, for a percentage of 5-15% of the total. Such offers are *always* fraudulent and you will be liable for the entire amount when the checks, money orders or wire transfers turn out to be fraudulent. Any money already forwarded comes out of *your* pocket then. )
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "phyllisakpa Gazeta.pl" <phyllisakpa@gazeta.pl>
Date: Fri, 30 May 2008 20:12:18 +0200
Subject: URGENT BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP ASSISTANT


*Dearest , *

*I am Mrs phyllis akpa from Congo Kinshasa. My late husband deposited
some funds with a security company which i cannot mention the valued amount
until we reach into binding agreement of partnership, then i can *

*reveal the amount involved, my unability to mention the amount is for my
security reasons and for political reasons best known to mle until we get
intimated to each other based on your response , I need your help to *

*enable me
clear the Deposite to enable me go into investment in your country,
I also have gold among the 2 deposited boxes the quality of the gold
is 350kgs Gold dust. 22+ carat quality. *

*I have all the deposite documents and ready to meet you before we go
for clearance. I will give you 30% commission for all transaction and
you will help me to market the gold. *


*I will give you more details as soon as I receive your reply.
Thanks,
Yours sincerely,
Mrs phyllis*

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam