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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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• 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:
  • "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)
  • "your urgent reply" (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.
  
• 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.
  • +27732078977 (South Africa, prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: paul_richard@myway.com
Date: Sat, 27 May 2006 11:19:53 +0200
Subject: GOOD DAY FROM: PAUL Richard.

FROM: PAUL Richard.
PHONE: +27-73-207-8977
ATT: DIRECTOR\CEO.
GOOD DAY

I am Mr. PAUL Richard. Working in department of fund released order in first National bank of South Africa, East Gate Branch, I know the letter might come to you as surprise, but take it like your own deal.

Mr. MICHEAL K. GUMA from South Korea executed a contract through department Ministry of Aviation here in South Africa, the contract worth of US$9,300,000. (Nine Million, Three Hundred Thousand United States Dollars), but on the process of approving the transfer of the money to him, he died in Train Bomb Blast that occurred recently in UK, we involve you to authenticate this clime and transfer the fund to your designated bank account.
Meanwhile, his fund has been signed to pay in my office before I will give order to the bank for final endorsement of his fund.
Nobody knows what is going on except me and my assistance. This is the man’s information.
Contract sum: of USD9, 300,000 Million Dollars

Contract number: FMA/FMF/3-X02/2004

You will act like the beneficiary of this money; I will give you more information about the transaction.

I Waite for your urgent reply

Best regards,
Mr. PAUL Richard.

NB don’t forget to include your direct telephone/fax number

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam