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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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• 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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "huge sum of money" (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)
  • "hundred thousand united states 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)
  • "very confidential" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
  • "is 100% risk free" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +2289059441 (Togo, probably a prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: godsondike@yahoo.com.co.uk
Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2008 17:47:20 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: RE:Business Transaction/Gordon Smith


VERY CONFIDENTIAL
FROM GODSON DIKE ,
AUDITING AND ACCOUNTING UNIT.
FOREIGN REMITTANCE DEPT.
FINANCIAL BANK.LOME TOGO.

 
Dear Friend,                  

I am Mr Godson Dike,one of the Directors in charge of Auditing and Accounting section International Financial Bank in West Africa and also Chairman of Investigating and Auditing Department of this Bank.With due respect and regard, I have decided to contact you on a Business Transaction that will be very beneficial to both of us and our families in future ..
 
During our Investigation and Auditing in this Bank, my department came across a very huge sum of money belonging to one Deceased Mr.Larry B, Smith Jr, of Fairbanks, Alaska America who died on January 31st 2000 with Alaska Airlines Flight 261.You can as well confirm it by yourself through under stated Website of the incident http://www.cnn.com/2000/US/02/01/alaska.airlines.list/

and if you want to know more about the man himself.As the fund has been dormant in his account with this Bank without any claim of the fund in our custody either from his family or relation because he did not indicate any next of kin to this account in case of death such as these.
 
Although personally, I keep this information secret within myself and partners to enable the whole plans and idea be profitable and successful during the time of execution.The said amount is U.S $12.5m (Twelve Five Million, five hundred thousand United States Dollars).As it may interest you to know, I got your impressive data or information through internet website where  you registered your name with all  your information.
 
Meanwhile as a Senior Staff in this bank, and the Director of Auditing and Accounting section, I have in my possession all the necessary documents to perfect this deal  by making you the bonafide next of kin/Partner whom this money will be transferred into your account.I need your assistance and co-operation to get this deal done.Because as a foreigner, you stand a better position to be presented through documentation as the next of kin/Partner since the deceased is also a foreigner,this is the reason why I could not do this deal alone as a Togolise and a Blackman as well.I will not fail to inform you that this transaction is 100% risk free.
 
On smooth  Conclusion of this transaction, you will be entitled to 35% of the total sum as ratification,while 1% will be set aside to take care of expenses that may arise during the time of transfer and also telephone bills, while 64% will be for me and my partners.Please, you advised to keep this "Top Secret" as we are still in service and intend to retire from service after we conclude this deal with you.
 
 And I assure you that this transaction will not last more than 10 working days and you confirm the money in your account.I will be monitoring the whole situation here in this bank until you confirm the money in your account. And ask us to come down to your country for subsequent sharing of the fund according to percentages previously indicated and further investment,either in your country or any country you advice us to invest in.All other necessary vital information will be sent to you when I hear from you.I suggest you get back to me as soon as possible stating your wish in this deal.I am expecting your urgent reply as soon as you receive this message,God bless you.

YOURS FAITHFULLY,
Mr. Godson Dike.
+228-9059441 Lome-Togo

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam