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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
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• 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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "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)
  • "10% will be kept aside for expenses" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "can i trust you?" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
  • "i have a new email address!" (this SPAM email was sent to thousands of people)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• 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.
  • sergeant_shawn@yahoo.com

Fraud email example:

From: IRVIN SHAWN <sergeant_shawn@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: sgt_ishawn@yahoo.com
Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2006 00:37:23 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: Important


I have a new email address!You can now email me at: sergeant_shawn@yahoo.com

Re: Important

Email: sgt_ishawn@militaryemail.com

FROM: Sgt. Irvin Shawn

Dear Friend

Good day to you


My name is Irvin Shawn I am an American soldier, serving in the military with the 1st Armored Division in Iraq. I and my superior moved funds belonging to Saddam Hussein, the total is $25,000,000.00 (Twenty Five million US dollars) this money is being kept safe in a security company. Click on this link to read about even that took place here


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2988455.stm


Basically since we are working for the government we cannot keep these funds, we have decided to look for someone to help us keep this funds this is why I have contacted you, so you can keep it for us in your safe account or an offshore account.


We will divide the total funds in three ways, since we are three involved in this. You will take 30%, and 30% will be for me, and my superior will take 30%. 10% will be kept aside for expenses. This business is confidential, and it should not be discussed with anyone.


There is no risk involved whatsoever. If you are interested i will send you the full details, my job is to find a good partner that we can trust and that will assist us.


Can i trust you? When you receive this letter, kindly send me an e-mail signifying your interest including your confidential telephone/fax numbers for quick communication and also your contact details. This business is risk free.


Please reply me via this email: sgt_ishawn@militaryemail.com


Respectfully submitted


Sgt. Irvin Shawn

- IRVIN SHAWN

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam