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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
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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:
  • "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 "dying widow" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: mrsmariajohnson43@yahoo.fr
Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:55:11 -0800 (PST)
Subject: URGENT ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED.


¡Tengo nueva dirección de correo!Ahora puedes escribirme a:mrsmariajohnson20@yahoo.com.co



- My DearMy name is Mrs.Maria Johnson,widow of late Mr.Peter Johnson,former ownerofPETROLEUM AND GAS company,here in Benin Republic.I am 68years old,suffering fromlong time cancer of the breast.From all indications my condition isreally deteriorating and it's quite obvious that I won't live more than 3 months accordingto my doctors.This is because the cancer stage has gotten to a very bad stage.idont want your pity but i need your trust. My late husband died early last yearfrom heart attack, and during the period of our marriage we couldn't produce anychild.My late husband was very wealthy and after his death,I inherited all hisbusiness and wealth.The doctor has advised me that I will not live for more than 3 months,so I have now decided to spread all my wealth,to contribute mainly to the development of charity in Africa,America,Asia,am sorry if you are embarrased by mymail.I found your e-mail address as a real Child of God for over a month now that i have been investigating about you to know if really you are working according tothe direction of God so after all my investigation i am convince,and i have decided to contact you,but if for any reason you find this mail offensive,you can ignore itand please accept my appology.Before my late husband died he was a majoroiltycoon,in Benin and deposited the sum of 9.5million dollars (Nine Million Five thosusand dollars) in a company in Abroad some years ago,thats all i have left now,i need you to collect this funds and distribute it yourself to charity.Sothat when i die my soul can rest in peace.the funds will be entirely in hands and management.i hope God gives you the wisdom to touch very many lives,that is my mainconcern.30% of this money will be for your time and effort,while 70% goes to charity.God bless you.Mrs.Maria Johnson

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam