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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)
• 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:
  • "the consignment" (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)
  • "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "Dr Ernest Okon" <greatdrernesstokonfmf3@gmail.com>
Reply-To: greatdrernestokon@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:54:36 +0200
Subject: YOUR OVER DUE PAYMENT.


*

Dear Sir

Re: long over due consignment on your name and favour.
*


I am Dr. Ernest Okon, Director of Operations Federal Ministry of
FinanceFederal Government of Nigeria.

We apologize, for the delay of your payment and all the inconveniences
and inflict that we might have indulged you through.

However, we were having some minor problems with our payment system,
which is inexplicable, and have held us stranded and indolent, not having
the aspiration to devote our 100% assiduity in accrediting foreign
contract payments. We apologize once again.

I have been instructed by the Hon. Minister of finance to find out
before the end of this month, why your consignment valued US$12.5 Million
Dollars your contract part payment still unclaimed. However, their
are two gentlemen here who came from your country to claim this
consignments on your behalf and the reason giving to us is that you are the
one who sent them that you are terminal sick.

In this regard, kindly reconfirm this information to us for proper
identification, and to know if you are the one that sent them for the
claim.

*Below is the information that you are to reconfirm to my office
immediately.

1) Your full name(s) and identification
2) Your Home Phone Number and Your Cell phone numbers
3) Your address where your consignments will be Deliver to you.*

Upon the proper identification, The Hon. Minister of Finance will
immediately sign the shipment approval and refer you to a mandated Courier
Firm who will be bringing the consignment to your doorstep in your country.
Our desire is to serving you better.

Waiting for your urgent reply via return mail for immediate conclusion
of your payment through a Diplomatic transfer to you.
Best Regards,

*Dr Ernest Okon.
Director of Operations
Federal Ministry Of Finance.
*

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam