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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
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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:
  • "huge deposit" (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)
  • "million us 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)
  • "waiting for your urgent response" (they are rushing you so you don't have time to think properly)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "barr." (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.

Fraud email example:

From: "Bello Kwami" <barr_bellokwami_2006@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: bellokwami@walla.com
Date: Thu, 05 Jan 2006 19:56:38 +0000
Subject: Dear Visser,

Dear Visser,

I am Barrister.Bello Kwami, the personal Attorney to late Mr. Roland Visser,
a national of your country.

On the 21st of April 2001, my client, his wife and their only one child were
involved in a car accident, unfortunately all occupants of the vehicle lost
their lives. I have contacted you to assist in repatriating the money and
property left behind by my late client before they get confiscated or
declared unserviceable by the Bank where this huge deposit was lodged.

Particularly, the bank where the deceased had an account valued at (US$9.8
Million US Dollars) has issued me a notice to provide the next of kin or
have the account Confiscated within the next twenty official working days.
Since then i have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives of my late
client, I now seek your consent to present you as the next of kin of the
deceased, since you bear the same surname with him, so that the Proceeds of
this account valued at (US$9.8 Million US Dollars) can be paid into your
account.

If you agree to do this transaction with me, we can discuss your percentage.
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.

Finally, please indicate your full interest and willingness to do this
business with me by sending to me your direct telephone and fax numbers for
easy Communication, your full name and address are also needed.

Waiting for your urgent response.

Best regards,
Barr.Bello Kwami.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam