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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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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 "dying merchant" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "demmy steve" <demmysteve@fastwebmail.it>
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:17:26 -0700
Subject: HELP THE SICK MAN


As you read this, I don't want you to feel sorry for me, because, I
believe everyone will pass on someday everyone eventually has
appointment with death. My name is kelvin smith a merchant in Dubai, in the
U.A.E. I have been diagnosed with esophageal cancer. It has defiled all
forms of medical treatment, and right now I have only about a few
months to live, according to medical experts (I am in a private ward in a
private hospital here in the United Kingdom).

I have not particularly lived my life so well, as I never really
cared for anyone (not even myself) but my business. Though I am very rich,
I was never generous, I was always hostile to people and only focused
on my business as that was the only thing I cared for. But now I regret
all this as I now know that there is more to life than just wanting to
have or make all the money in the world. I believe when God gives me a
second chance to come to this world I would live my life a different
way from how I have lived it.

I have willed and given most of my property and assets to my
immediate and extended family members as well as a few close friends. I
want
God to be merciful to me and accept my soul so, I have decided to give
also to charity organizations, as I want this to be one of the last good
deeds I do on earth. So far, I have distributed money to some charity
organizations in the U.A.E, Algeria and Malaysia. Now that my health
has deteriorated so badly, I cannot do this myself anymore. I once asked
members of my family to close one of my accounts and distribute the
money which I have there to charity organization in Bulgaria and Pakistan;
they refused and kept the money to themselves.

Hence, I do not trust them anymore, as they seem not to be contented
with what I have left for them. The last of my money which no one knows
of is the huge cash deposit of eighteen million dollars $18, 000, 000,
00(18million dollars) that I have with a finance/Security Company abroad. I
will want you
to hel p me collect/receive this deposit and dispatched it to charity
organizations.

For your time and honesty, I have set aside 20% for you.
(in the name of God).

kelvin.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam