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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) 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.

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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:
  • "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)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "barr." (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
  • "lome togo" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: ben zion <barristerben10@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed, 28 Feb 2007 03:28:12 -0800 (PST)
Subject: please come to my aid


Dear sir,

I am Barrister B.Zion, a barrister & solicitor at law. I was the Personal attorney to Mr.H.C.Henry Clark , a national of your country, who used to own an oil servicing company in Lome Togo. Herein after shall bereferred to as my client. On the 31st of October, 2002,my client,
his wife and their only child were involved in a car accident along Lome- Cotonou express road. All occupants of the vehicle unfortunately lost their lives. I know that my client had no living kin but I went ahead and made several enquiries to locate any of my clients extended relatives but this has proved unsuccessful.I only did so to be double sure of this fact.

I have contacted you to assist in repatriating the money and property left behind by my client before they get confiscated or declared unservicea ble by the bank where this huge deposits were lodged, particularly the African development bank where the deceased had an account valued at about US$15.5 million dollars has issued me a notice that in the event that no next of kin comes up for the claim, the account will be confiscated after four years if not claimed.

Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over years now I seek your consent to present you as the next of kin of the deceased so that the proceeds of this account valued at US$15.5 million dollars can be paid to you and then you and me can share the money.Upon your response we can discuss the sharing ratio.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 in touch with me by my e-mail 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,
Barr.C.Ben Zion.




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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam