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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:
  • "trunk box" (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)
  • "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)
  • "god fearing " (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
• This email message is a "dying widow" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: <elizabeth_coolman1@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Tue, 5 Aug 2008 05:22:19 +0900 (JST)
Subject: Greetings In The Name Of Our Lord.

husband for twenty years without a child. My husband died in a fatal motor accident. Since his death I decided not to re-marry, I sold all my inherited belongings and deposited all the sum of $9.5million dollars and One Trunk Box (Family valuables/Personal Jewelries) with a Security Company.
Presently, this money is still with them Presently, I'm in hospital where I have been under going treatment for cancer of the lungs.

I have since lost my ability to talk and my doctors have told me that I have months or year to live, but all depend on my ability to respond to the new treatment
that will be prescribed. My wish is for the money to be distributed each year among the charity organization, the poor and the motherless babies home where I come from .I want a God fearing person, to also use this money to fund foundation for children suffering from cancer, orphanages. I took
this decision, before I rest in peace because my time will soon be up.

I will require some of your details like your full Name/address, age, personal email, occupation I no I cannot speak with you on phone but I will keep it and introduce you to the Security Company were I kept the funds, I will give you all the documents, deposit secret Question/answer and you
agree to help me fulfil my wish and take care of those children with illness and orphans.

I await your speedy reply.

Kind regards,

Mrs. Elizabeth Coolman.



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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam