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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
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• 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.

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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:
  • "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "your payment is being processed" (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)
  • "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)
  • "executive governor" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: DR PAUL ACQUAH <acquah.bogxx9001@msn.com>
Reply-To: <drpaul_bog02@live.com>
Date: Sun, 25 Jan 2009 10:25:32 +0000
Subject: PAYMENT OF YOUR CONTRACT INHERITANCE



>From The Desk Of:Dr Paul Acquah.Executive GovernorBank of Ghana.

Attn: Sir/Madam

IMMEDIATE PAYMENT OF YOUR CONTRACT INHERITANCE ON CONTRACT #:MAV/GNPC/GH/MIN/009.

Following the protest from the International Community, The World Bank and IMF, the President, Republic of Ghana has directed us that all outstanding foriegn debts should be released to the benefeciaries forthwith unconditionally.
>From the records of outstanding debts due for payment with the Government of Ghana. We wish toinform you that your payment is being processed and will be releasedto you as soon as you respond to this letter. Also note that from the record in my file your outstanding contract payment is US$10.7 million dollars (Ten Million Seven Hundred Thousand United States Dollar)

Please re-confirm to me the following:

1) Your full name:2) Home address:3) Fax and mobile number #:4) Profession,date of brith and marital status.5) A copy of your Working Identity Card/ or Int'l Passport:

As soon as these informations are received, your payment will be made to you by telegraphic transfer to your nominated account from Bank of Ghana.

Your immediate response is highly needed.

Cordially yours,

Dr. Paul AcquahGovernor, BOGAccra, Ghana.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam