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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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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:
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
• 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.
  • paulwilliams202011@yahoo.co.uk

Fraud email example:

From: "Paul Williams" <barrpaulwilliams@msn.com>
Date: Tue, 18 Oct 2005 06:12:33 +0000
Subject: urgent reply

WILLIAMS & ASSOCIATES
RUE 473 BOULEVARD ST MARTIN
AKPAKPA COTONOU,
REPUBLIC DU BENIN.
Email: barrister paulwilliams


Dear Friend ,



I humbly crave your indulgence in sending you this mail,if the
contentsdoes not meet with your personal and business ethics,I
appologise in advance.



I am Barrister Paul Williams, the Personal Attorney to late Mr Patrick
Carl,who was a contractor with emelite gold mining company here in
Benin.
And on the 3rd of Oct 2001, my client,and his family were perished in a
ghastly car accident along Midombo Togo express way.But my client made a
fixed dopsit valued at (USD$10.5M),and upon the maturity this bank
started contacting him but no response.



Conseqently,the bank issued me a notice to provide the next of kin or
have the account confiscated after four years, as the law of this land
ays.
Since then have made several enquiries to your Embassy to locate any of
my
clients extended relatives,this has also proved unsuccessful.Since i
have
been
unsuccesfull in locating the relatives for over two years now I seek
your consent to present you as the next of kin of the deceased ,so that
the
proceeds of this account valued at USD$10.5M can be paid to you and
both of us will share the money.


I know that you might be wonder why i have decided to trust you with
this huge sum, but the truth is that i need you to get this money out
and
considering the fact that your a foreigner which makes it a lot easier
and straight forward.I have all necessary legal documents that can be
used
to back up any claim we may make.



All I require is your honest cooperation to enable us see this deal
through. I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate
arrangement
that will protect you from any breach of the law.Please get in touch
with me
through email .Email: barrister paulwilliams202011@yahoo.co.uk



KINDLY FORWARD YOUR INFORMATION AS STATED BELLOW.



1) your full name.
2) your telephone and fax numbers
3) your Home and office address.
4) your Age and occupation



With the above information we can proceed futher.



Best Regards,

Barrister Paul Williams.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam