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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
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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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "million 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)
  • "barr." (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Barr.Bigard Holmes <barr.bigardholmes2@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <barr.bigardholmes@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 30 May 2007 09:32:13 +0100
Subject: Attn: Pls.reply urgently.



Dear Friend,

My name is Barr.Bigard Holmes;Please can you assist to recover a "Consignment Box" worth $14.7 Million Dollars deposited with the Finance House Abroad vai Standard Investment Trust Bank of Nig. Plc.?

Your urgent and positive response is highly needed for further details. You are to also please send me the following details to start proceesing this issue:

1.YOUR FULL NAME AND COUNTRY ADDRESS.
2. YOUR PRIVATE TELEPHONE,CELL/FAX NUMBER.
3. YOUR OCCUPATION AND AGE RESPECTIVELY.

Thanks for your understanding and co-operation.

Best regards,

Barr.Bigard Holmes.
_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam