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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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• 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.

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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:
  • "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "will come to you as a surprise" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• 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.
  • dr.37mh@yahoo.co.uk

Fraud email example:

From: larry Dames <larrydames@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Sun, 5 Apr 2009 21:22:13 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: Good Day


Dear One,

I know this message will come to you as a surprise , but I want
you to handle it with the most carefulness to meet our common
understanding.

I am Larry Dames from Republic of Zimbabwe. Due to the political
saga in my country, life has turned unbearable because of President
Mugabe. This lead me to flee from my country to Ghana for safety. Since
my father is an opposition to the ruling party, which led to his death.

As i write to you now, I have with me the total sum of 4.5
million Euros which i want to entrust on your care for onward
investment purposes in your country and I am willing to offer you 30%
of the total sum for your assistance.

All modalities have been put in place for immediate onward transfer to
you in your country.I have contacted  Dr. Ken Edu, who work with the UNICEF
office here in Ghana. He will be of great help to you. He is willing to help
me after seeing that the funds is ready to spend anytime.

Sir, i will like you to contact him and tell him that you are my father business partner.
If he can make the delivery to you in your country. He told me if i have anybody who
is ready to receive it, i should send his email to the person to contact him immediately.
This is Dr. Ken Edu,  email address dr.37mh@yahoo.co.uk

Please get back to me.

Larry Dames

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam