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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
• This email message is a "New Partner from Paraguay" scam.
• This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
  • mkbello66@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: Charles Okafor <zm925tgerq@testzimbra.com>
Reply-To: "mkbello66@gmail.com" <mkbello66@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2008 03:57:34 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Contact My Secretary Today For Your Compensation.


Hello Friend,

My original name is Charles Okafor, am very happy to inform you about my success in getting that fund transferred. Now I want you to contact my secretary;-(Mr. Mike Bello) on his email address below and receive your compensation of US$2.8 Million from him. Am doing this because I never forgot you're past efforts and your attempt on my business some time despite that it failed some how.

Yes, I must confess that your step made lead to my success under the co-operation of a new partner, feel free to contact Mike Bello at this email address;-< mkbello66@gmail.com > and ask him for your cheque. Yes, I want you to do this, so that the joy can be shared together.

Your full name_________________________

Your address__________________________

Your direct phone number______________________

It is important you send him the above information complete, he will not release the cheque to you because he has to be sure that it is yours.

Note also that I will not be reached by email or phone for now because I am currently away in Japan for investment purpose with my share and I will be busy till further notice,

Best regards,

Charles Okafor.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam