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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
  (+225 +229 +234 +27 +31 +32 +34 +44 other)
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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:
  • "million united states 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)
  • ",000,000" (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)
  • "u.k " (this email uses bad English)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "Francois Pithon" <mrf.frank02@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:10:26 +0400
Subject: CONFIDENTIAL


Sir,


The information that I am about to reveal to you might either destroy, ruin
my professional career or make me, depending on how you receive and take it
Please I need you to read this mail attentively to know the reason and
purpose why you received this mail from me, before I go further I will like
to introduce myself to you.


I am Dr Francois Pithon an American Citizen ,a medical practioner registered
with the General Medical Council of U.K and friend to Mr Abraham a
Contractor in England.I write to solicit your assistance in an urgent
transaction, which will be mutually beneficial to both of us.


Having gone through a methodical search, I decided to contact you hoping
that you will find this proposal interesting. Please on your confirmation of
this message and indicating your interest, I shall give you information in
detail.I understand that through Internet is not the best way to link up
with you because of the confidentiality which my proposal demands,and so I
beg your pardon.

I am writing because ,I am in dare need of a foreign partner to help secure
the sum of $15,000,000 (Fifteen Million United States dollars )

I wish to crave your indulgence, to enable me claim the funds. I will need
you to furnish me with the below details

1. Full Name and Address
2. Contact Telephone and Fax Number
3. Age
4. Occupation

I am willing to discuss the sharing modalities and hope to get a favorable
response from you.

I have to stop here now as your response will determine our subsequent
corresspondence. Please feel free to dis-regard this proposal if it is not
in line with your principles.



For confidential sake respond back through my private email address


Yours sincerely,


Francois Pithon

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam