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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:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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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:
  • "million united states 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)
  • "is 100% risk free" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Udomi Atua <udomiatua@netscape.net>
Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2006 10:01:21 +0100
Subject: With humility


It is with respect and confidence that I decided to contact you for a confidential transaction, which requires your assistance for our mutual beneficial relationship.
My name is Engineer Udomi Atua, the former chairman of contract awarding committee of the Togolais national oil (PETROTOGOLAIS) Republique du Togo.
Sometimes last three years, our refinery was engulfed with fire for almost two weeks, that most of the heavy equipment got damaged as a result of the unprecedented fire outbreak.
There was assistance from the world bank and other financial institutions for the replacement of the damaged equipment. During this period, a lot of contracts were awarded to so many international contractors all over the world.
Now that all the contracts has been fully executed, and some of the contractors has been fully paid. During this period, I was able to preserve the sum of $25m (Twenty five million United States Dollars),it was later discovered that i was involved in fund misappropriation,which lead to my running to Europe to seek for political asylum with my family .
Therefore, I need the confirmation of your interest on this transaction, so as to furnish you with further information .
Finally, if you are willing to assist me, I will give you 25% of the total money as compensation for your assistance .
While replying, send me your private telephone and fax numbers for easy communications .
Note that this transaction is 100% risk free and also, all necessary arrangements has been finalised ,awaiting your urgent response.
Best regards.
Engineer Udomi Atua.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam