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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• 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:
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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 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)
• This email message is a "dying widow" 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.
  • maria_sara5@yahoo.com

Fraud email example:

From: "Maria Akin" <akin463@msn.com>
Date: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 19:49:55 +0000
Subject: Dear Sir/Ma,

Please get back to me through my yahoo email address below:
maria_sara5@yahoo.com
 
 
Dear Sir/Ma,
This is where my investment plans stays on:
I am Mrs Maria Akin from Philipine. I am married to Mr.Mohamed Akin from Philipine and we lived in UK for nine years before he died in the year 2002.
We were married for eleven years without a child. He died after a briefillness that lasted for only  four days.Before his death we were both born again Christian.
Since his death I decided not to re-marry or get a child outside my matrimonial home which the Bible is against. When my late husband was alive he deposited ( Fifteen Million US Dollars) presently this money is still in the custody of one of the Banks here in Europe.
Recently, my Doctor told me to stop doing anything because of my health due to the cancer problem. Having known my condition I decided to look for a foreign investor that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct
herein,as my late  husband has already made the deposit to a foreign associate,fully indicated  before the Bank.
However,I want a Trust worthy,reliable and God fearing Man or Woman that will assist me receive this fund as indicated in the agreement between my late husband and the bank. I am ready to  give you 25% for your assistant and 75% for my investment in Oil business and welfare.
And you will be the one to help me invest my share in any profitable business of your choice in your country.
Furthermore,I don't need any telephone communication in this regard becauseof my health and i reside in a Widows and Orphanage home for now.
In acceptance the following information stated below are required:
1)Your full name and address.
2)Your marrital status
3)Your occupation/Profession
4)Your direct telephone/Fax numbers
5)Your passport details for legal operations.
As soon as I receive your reply I shall give you the contact of the Bank, i will also issue you an authority letter that will prove you the present beneficiary of this fund as the next of kin to the depositor, Please assure me that you will act accordingly as I Stated herein.
Hoping to receive your response immedaitely.
I remain yours sincerely.
Mrs Maria Akin.

 

 

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam