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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:
  • "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
  • "commission of 10%" (Beware of any scheme that involves depositing checks or money orders or receiving wire transfers in your bank account and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere, for a percentage of 5-15% of the total. Such offers are *always* fraudulent and you will be liable for the entire amount when the checks, money orders or wire transfers turn out to be fraudulent. Any money already forwarded comes out of *your* pocket then. )
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Ben Lawrence <drblaw_attorney123@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Sun, 8 Jul 2007 02:34:22 +0100 (BST)
Subject: investment funds


Dear Sir/Madam,

Your contact has been gotten after a search for a person whom we
can jointly invest Trust in and also solicit a honourable partnership
with.

I represent a client and my client has interest to do business relative
to investments in your country in areas related to agriculture or any
business of your choice, to initiate a proper and structured
relationship:

Please let me know what your response will be to an offer to receive
investment funds in cash if:

1. The said fund amounts to Eighteen Million, Five hundred Thousand
Dollars (US).

2. The said fund is in cash and will be transferred to you in same
state.

3.The fund is intended to be invested through your agency in the
purchase of facilities and assets, for the said purposes within your country.

4. This transaction will result in you being paid a commission of 10%
off the investment capital.

5.The fund owners desire absolute confidentiality and professionalism
in the handling of this matter.

Please respond urgently.

Sincerely.

Dr Lawrence


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam