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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:
  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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• 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.

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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:
  • "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: "WILLIAMS MCGRATH" <mc_graths@mail.mn>
Date: Fri, 6 Jun 2008 06:47:08 -0700
Subject: URGENT TRANSFER OF US $8.7Million Dollars


* ATTN,
Please do not be surprise to receive this email. My name is Williams, Am 24
years old.

I am presently at the Accra-Refugee camp, due to my condition since the
death of my parents.

However, I write to seek your help/assistance to help me retrieve my
consignment box (US$8.7Million dollars) transferred into your account which
is now in the custody of a bank after Mr. Putra Augus disappointed me out of
his greediness.

It is my Intention to compensate you with 40% of the total money for your
Services, 10% goes to the motherless children homes /Christians homes for
the needy and the balance shall be mine for investment in your country.

This is the reason why I decided to contact you.

Please reply, to enable me give you more details.
Kindly email me.

Regards,
Williams*

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam