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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:
  • "00,000.00" (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)
  • "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• 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.
  • +2348035632012 (Nigeria, prepaid mobile phone)
• 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.
  • kofitaamed@yahoo.com

Fraud email example:

From: "Finbank Plc" <finbankplc@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 21 Dec 2008 10:37:55 +0100
Subject: Interest Payment Release Order


*FinBank Plc
Telex Department
148 Okota Road,
Lagos Nigeria.
Our Ref: SBP/NG/02/08 *

*Dear Sir,*

*We deem it necessary to communicate you directly on the recent decision by
the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria after an agreement was
reached with representatives of the World Bank and International Monetary
Fund (African Region). *

*In the spirit globalization, which prompted the government's most
appreciated policy on debt servicing and reschuflement as it affect most of
our creditors and contractors.

We authoritatively inform you that the Federal Government has directed us to
immediately process an ATM Visa Card and deliver to you the sum of capital
interest accrued from your withheld fund dating from the time of lodgment in
our bank FINBANK PLC pending when issues restricting the release of your
entire payment is resolved by this present government.

In accordance with this directive we have formally checked and confirmed
that your withheld payment yielded an interest of USD$1,200,000.00. In the
spirit of reconciliation we legally advise that you make a formal
application for the delivery of this Card of your money to your address in
your country. *

*I Implore You To Contact Me directly on 234- 803 563 2012, Email: **
kofitaamed@yahoo.com* <kofitaamed@yahoo.com>

*On behalf of the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
we regret all inconveniences caused by the delay in ratifying the whole
payment.*

*We Expect Your Early Response*

*Regards,*

*Dr. Kofita Amed
Director, Telex Department
Tel: 234 803 563 2012*

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam