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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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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:
  • "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "million us 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)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: "ken williams" <kenwilliams1215@ldsliving.com>
Reply-To: brr.kenwilliams11@yahoo.fr
Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2008 04:29:58 -0700
Subject: Anttention Sir/Ma.


Anttention Sir/Ma.



I am Barrister Ken Williams, an attorney at law. A deceased client of mine,
by name, Mr Martin Welch, who here in after shall be referred to as my
client, died as the result of a heart-related condition on the 11th
November, 2005. His heart condition was due to the death of all the members
of his family in the Gulf Air Flight Crashes in Persian Gulf Near Bahrain
Aired August 23, 2000 - 2:50 p.m. I have contacted you to assist in
distributing the money left behind by my client before it is confiscated or
declared unserviceable by the bank where this deposit valued at 9.5million
US dollars is lodged. This bank has issued me a notice to contact the next
of kin, or the account will be confiscated.


My proposition to you is to seek your consent to present you as the
next-of-kin and beneficiary of my named client, since you have the same last
name, so that the proceeds of this account can be paid to you. Then we can
share the amount on a mutually agreed-upon percentage. All legal documents
to back up your claim as my client's next-of-kin will be provided. All I
require is your honest cooperation to enable us see this transaction
through.



This will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you
from many breach of the law. If this business proposition offends your moral
values, do accept my apology. I must use this opportunity to implore you to
exercise the utmost indulgence to keep this matter extraordinary
confidential, whatever your decision, while I await your prompt response.



Please contact me at once to indicate your interest. I will like you to
acknowledge the receipt of this e-mail as soon as possible via email this
transaction will be treated private with absolute confidentiality and
sincerity.I look forward to your quick reply.

Best regards,
Barrister Ken Williams

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam