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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:
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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:
  • "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)
  • "high court" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Lilly Smith <lillysmith4@msn.com>
Reply-To: <lilly_smith0001@sify.com>
Date: Sun, 26 Apr 2009 16:03:39 +0000
Subject: GET BACK TO ME



Mrs Lilly Smith,

20 Park Road,

Bristol BS 25LJ,

England.



Good day.



This Is For Your Attention.



We
wish to notify you again that you were listed as a beneficiary to the
total sum of £4,600,000.00GBP (Four million Six hundred thousand
British pounds) in the intent of the deceased (name now withheld since
this is our second letter to you) We contacted you because you bear the
surname identity and therefore can present you as the beneficiary to
the inheritance since there is no written will. Our legal services aim
to provide our private clients with a complete service.



We are
happy to prepare wills, set-up and administer Trusts, carry out the
administration of estates and prepare and administer powers of
attorney. All the papers will be processed in your acceptance.In your
acceptance of this deal, we request that you kindly forward to us your
letter of acceptance; your current telephone and fax numbers and a
forwarding address to enable us file necessary documents at our high
court probate division for the release of this sum of money.



Yours faithfully,



Mrs Lilly Smith

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam