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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
• Support our efforts to stop scams!
  
• How to report 419 spam to us
• What can you do when you receive 419 spam
  
  
• Spam archive, Daily index
  

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:

• 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 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: philhenz@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:39:45 +0000
Subject: Participate in the Microsoft Offer


Hello,

Microsoft Incorporated is today a multi-billion dollar cooperation providing millions of opportunities to millions of people all over the world. Our success story has been made possible by the contributions of people like you (A click of your mouse brings in at least ninety cents to Microsoft). It is thus duty-bound that we show appreciation to our users.

To this end then, I am happy to announce to you that you have been selected as a winner of Microsoft's 2008 USERS' APPRECIATION PACKAGE to the tune of ONE MILLION DOLLARS.

If you would want to claim this prize money, contact our Official Mr. Allen Smith through his e-mail: mallen.smith@yahoo.comfor claims directives.


Thank you,
Billagos Daniel,
For Microsoft,
London.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam