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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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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)
  • "huge deposit" (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)
  • "30% for you " (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.

Fraud email example:

From: ola williams <orlawilliams@sify.com> (may be fake)
Date: Thu, 16 Nov 2006 17:02:58 -0600
Subject: I WAIT FOR YOUR RESPONSE.




Dear Friend,


I am barrister Ola Williams a solicitor at law. On the 21st of

November 2003,my client, his wife and their three children were involved in a

car accident along Port Harcourt Enugu express road. All occupants of

the vehicle unfortunately lost their lives. Since then I have made

several inquiries to locate any of my clients extended relatives but this

has proved unsuccessful. After these several unsuccessful attempts, I

decided to contact you.


I have contacted you to assist in repatriating the money and property

left behind by my client before they get confiscated or declared

unserviceable by the bank where this huge deposits were lodged, particularly

the Marina International Merchant Bank Plc. where the deceased had an

account valued at about US$13.5 million dollars. I have been issued a

notice by the bank to provide the next of kin to my late client or have

the account confiscated after three years if not claimed and We have just

one year left.


Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over 1

year now I seek your consent to present you as the next of kin of the

deceased since you are a foreigner so that the proceeds of this account

valued at US$13.5 million dollars can be paid to you and then you and me

can share the money. 65% shall be for me and 30% for you while 5% is

earmarked for expenses that will be incurred during the process of

transfer of the fund. I have all necessary legal documents that can be used to

back up any claim we may make.


All I require is your honest co-operation to enable us see this deal

through. I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate

arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law.


Please get intouch with me to enable us discuss further. You may also,

send your phone number so that I can call you.


I look forward to your urgent response.


Best regards,

Ola Williams.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam