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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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• What can you do when you receive 419 spam
  
  
• Spam archive, Daily index
  

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:
  • "inheritance tax" (this will cost you money - that's what the scam is about)
  • "hundred thousand 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)
  • "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 mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +2348063701380 (Nigeria, prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: William Ibru <barr_williamibru771@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 19:17:55 -0500
Subject: I sincerely need your co-operation and assistance


I am William Ibru, personal attorney to Mr Patrick A, an expartriate who used to work with Nigeria Shell Oil Company (NSOC), here in Nigeria.On the 21st of October 2005, my client was killed in an auto mobile accident.Since then I have made Several enquiries to locate any of my client's extended relatives.

This has proved unsuccessful.hence I contacted you.I contacted you to assist me in repartriating the money left behind by my client before they get confiscated or declared unserviceable by the bank where this deposit was lodged.The name of the bank is Trans international bank,where the deceased had an account valued at US$7,500,000.00(Seven Million, Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars).

You and I can share the money; 55% to me and 40% to you, while 5% will be for expenses and inheritance tax, as your government may require.All I require is your honest co-operation to enable us see the deal through.

Barrister William Ibru
Tel :234-806-370-1380
n FREE account and start receiving your eMail.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam