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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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Fraud email example:

From: "Chris Morris" <chrismorris223@msn.com>
Date: Sat, 19 Nov 2005 18:10:08 +0000
Subject: Dear Friend

Dear Friend,

I have the honor to invite you to represent as the benefactor to the funds/
estate of my late business colleague who some time ago died intestate with
no trace to any of his immediate relatives. The estate/funds will be made
available to you as the custodian and benefactor. It is as a result of the
banks demand that i help to notify his next of kin that led to writing this
letter to you because you have the same surnames.

We have arranged with his bank for the release of the funds in his account
to his relatives (in your person) once we make any available as demanded,
but law demands that a lawyer can help to obtain appropriate and validating
documents from the Probate Registry here called "Letters of Administration".

I therefore ask your indulgence so that i can present you to the bank as
his relative. Logically, your surname backed up with the Probate Documents
are enough proof for the bank to release his Estate/Funds to you which will
be invested in charity while we benefit out of it also.

There is no anticipation of breach of law, all that will be needed of you is
the provision of your details as the eneficiary like telephone and fax
numbers, personal address including any proof of identification which is
very vital in the application for the legal documents at the
Probate. I anticipate your cooperation

Truly,

Chris Morris

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam