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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:
  • "dearest one," (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • ",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)
  • "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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "helen camara" <camarahelen5@unimail.mn>
Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:33:06 -0700
Subject: From Bujumbura Refugee Camp


>From Bujumbura Refugee Camp
Accra Ghana
Date:30/06/2008
Dearest one,

FROM HELEN CAMARA (REQUEST FOR ASSISTANT)

I will start by introducing myself formally; I am Mrs. Helen Camara mother
of seven, I was the wife to Late Dr. Fidelis Camara
former chairman of Sierra Leone national gold & Diamond Corporation.

My husband was assassinated by the rebels, led by major john Paul Koromah on
18th of June 1997 because my family
never supported the major john Paul Koromah and his group that overthrew our
democratically elected president,
Ahmed Tejan Kabba and forced him to exile, I realized that my family name or
my maiden name will not guarantee
safety for my life or that of my kids I decided to find a refuge in a
foreign land through the ECCOMOG pace keeping
force.

I am contacting you based on the understanding that you will help me
transfer the sum of $20,000,000.00 USD cash
that is lodged in a bank and family valuables worth over $35,000,000.00 USD
deposited in a finance Security Company.

I am writing you this proposal so that you will help me initiate the
transfer of the said funds into your country,
this I will like to use for investment purposes and charity works.

forward to hearing from you as soon as possible. Thanks for your anticipated
co-operation.

I will be expecting a swift response from you, I will like you to call or
write me with this email or phone.

Yours Sincerely

Mrs. Helen Camara

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam