419 Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam (2006-01)

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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

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.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

Read more about such scams here or in our 419 FAQ. Use the Scam-O-Matic to verify suspect emails.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
This email uses a separate reply address that is different from the sender address. Spammers use this to get replies even when the original spam sending accounts have been shut down. Also, sometimes the sender addresses are legitimate looking but fake and only the reply address is actually an email account controlled by the scammers.
The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "necessary legal documents" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. NEVER send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally - NO EXCEPTIONS! Instant wire transfer services are not meant to be used with strangers because they offer no protection against fraud. That is precisely why the criminals want you send money that way. )
- "million united state 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)
- "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)
- "% will be for you" (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)
- "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
This email message is a next of kin scam.
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.
- mr.alaa20111@hotmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Alaa Eraiqate" <noreply@alaa.com>
Reply-To: Mr.alaa20111@hotmail.com
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2011 18:40:51 +0100
Subject: DEAR FRIEND,
PLEASE GET BACK TO ME IMMEDIATELY IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING ME.

Dear Friend, reply me urgent.

Firstly, I apologize for sending you this sensitive information via e-mail
instead of a certified post-mail. Well my name is Mr. Alaa Eraiqate, From
UAE But a Banker based here in Ghana. I did a lot of web search before
choosing your contact from your country's website and business online
register. It is with trust and sincerity that I approach you for
assistance in a business project. Please do accept my apology if my mail
infringes on your personal ethics and honestly it will be my humble
pleasure if we can work together in this business project.

I seek your concept to present you as the executor/next of kin to my
deceased client who made a deposit of Six Million United State Dollars
only (US$18,400,000.00) with a Finance House here few years back since you
are at an advantage, coming from the same country so that the proceeds of
the deposit funds valued at Eighteen Million Four Hundred United State
Dollars can be paid to you and we shall both share the funds amicably. 55%
goes to me while 40% will be for you and the remaining 5% will be for any
incurred expenses and for donation to charitable organizations.

I have all the necessary legal documents that will be used to back up any
claim we will make. All I require is your honest co-operation to enable us
see this project through. I guarantee that this will be executed under a
legitimate arrangement.

If you are interested and sincere we can proceed further with this
transaction which is hundred percent risk free, please do let me know
immediately so that I can give you comprehensive details on how we
proceed.

I need your immediate reply please!

My regards,
Mr. Alaa Eraiqate

Email me :Mr.alaa20111@hotmail.com
PS: Kindly acknowledge the receipt of this email.

Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam