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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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
  • "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +22998110781 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
• 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.
  • ekehisaac@sify.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "James Thomas" <revths1@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:46:25 +0100
Subject: YOUR COMPENSACTION FUND $1,100.000.00


* Hello My Dear Friend

It is my pleasure to reach you after our unsuccessful attempt on our
business transaction I know you might not remember me because it has be a
long time. Well, I just want to use this medium to thank you very much for
your earlier assistance to help me in receiving the funds, without any
positive outcome.

I am obliged to inform you that I have succeeded in moved the funds with
the help of a new partner from India Mr. Kumar Raji. Everything was
perfectly done because we strike a deal with one of the Lady Accountant who
works with the Federal Ministry of Financ(FMF),and she rendered a tremendous
help to us. **Due to your effort,sincerity,courage and trust worthiness You
showed during the course of the transaction. I have left a certified Bank
Draft. for you worth of $1,100, 000.00 cashable anywhere in the world. *
**
**
**
**
**
*
Contact Mr Ekeh Isaac for the delivery of the Bank draft to you, as i left
instruction with him that as soon as you contact him with your mailing
details he should mail the draft to you.

Contact: Ekeh M. Isaac .
Account Officer, Continental Trust Bank,
Cotonou, Benin Republic,
Tel: +229-98110781
email address: ekehisaac@sify.com*
**
*Therefore, you should send him your full Name and telephone number/your
correct mailing address where you want him to send the draft to you, or your
account information for depositing the Bank Draft. Thanks and God bless you
and your family. Hoping to hear from you as soon as you cash your Bank
Draft. *
**** *
Remained blessed in Jesus name
Rev: Thomas James Jr*

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam