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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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • ",500,000" (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)
  • "utmost confidentiality" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
• 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.
  • ed_charles@walla.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "charles edward" <edcharless@mailbox.hu>
Date: Wed, 4 Jun 2008 04:57:05 +0100
Subject: YOU HAVE A NEW MESSAGE..


From Mr Edward Charles.
PO Box 10720
217 Strand
London WC2R 1AP

My Request.

I Have a very important request that make me to contact you; I am Mr Edward
Charles, I found Your profile very interesting and decided to reach you
directly to solicit your assistance and Guidelines in making a business
investment and transfer of Twelve Million, Five hundred thousand Pounds
Sterling (£12,500,000.00), to your country within the Next few days.

I presently work as a senior Accounts Director, Offshore Mortgage & Services
with Natwest Bank Plc, London. But at this moment, I am constrained to issue
more details about this profitable Business investment until I get your
response by mail.

This transaction is totally free of risk and troubles as the fund is
legitimate and does not originate from drug, money laundry, terrorism or any
other illegal act, funds will be released to you after necessary processes
have been followed.

Please take out a moment of your very busy Schedule today to respond back if
you are interested; please send your direct telephone numbers through this
email (ed_charles@walla.com) for an initial confidential communication. I
wish for utmost confidentiality in handling this transaction.

Awaiting your reply,
Mr Edward Charles.
Snr. Accounts Director.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam