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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:
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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:
  • "a security company " (this will cost you money - that's what the scam is about)
  • "huge amount of money" (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 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)
  • "await your urgent response" (they are rushing you so you don't have time to think properly)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: charles william <charleswilliam40@yahoo.com>
Date: Thu, 16 Mar 2006 02:02:39 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Attn Director


FROM: MRS MARIA & CHARLES WILLIAM
TEL: 27-767-11-8696

(HIGHLY CONFIDENTIAL)

ATTN: MANAGER/DIRECTOR/C.E.O
I am MRS.MARIA, WILLIAM first wife of Engineer SOLOMON WILLAM, from Bulawayo-Zimbabwe.

This is my 28 years of marriage with Mr. Solomon, where my only son and I are now resident in South Africa as Asylum seeker (REFUGEE). I got your contact through South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry. With your contact profile, I hope that you can take care of the amount involved. I have some huge amount of money, which I inherited from my dead husband a few months ago. My husband’s tragedy occurred when the Zimbabwean government took our farm from us.

My husband was murdered in Zimbabwean and I am the only left two wives, so I am willing to leave South Africa for any place abroad. My fund is presently deposited with a Security Company without disclosing the contents of the box to the Security Firm, and I would like you to help me transfer this money overseas pending investment. The amount deposited is (Twenty Million United States Dollars) US$20. In consideration of your assistance, I and my lawyer have agreed to offer you, upon acceptance to this proposal 20% of the total sum and 5% has mapped out to cover all sundry expenses both parties might incur, locally or internationally, during the course of this transaction. And the remaining 75% will be for me and my only son for our life investment in your country.

I will relate to you my lawyer’s particulars upon receipt of your approval for more information and fell free to ask questions you consider relevant. The confidentiality of this proposal will be highly appreciated.

Thank as we await your urgent response.
Best Regards,
MRS.MARIA WILLIAM.



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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam