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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:
  • "search for a reliable person" (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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: jamescarr_2@yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2007 17:49:08 +0200 (CEST)
Subject:

Compliments Sir/Madam


My name is James Carr,the personal attorney to David Williams and I am
contacting you in regards to some funds deposited with a bank here in
Londonby my late client Mr. David Williams who is now deceased and leaving
no known relatives to claim the fund.

After a series of search for a reliable person who I can establish in
claim of the fund, I contacted you and my contact with you is based on a
legitimate arrangement. This is because it is now my sole responsibility
to present any person of my choice in claim. I am contacting you because i
feel i could trust you and the fund in the bank is $15.5million dollars.


Due to the importance of this matter, I would appreciate if you can write
me back to enable me detail you further about this matter. I do
understand that this will sound so skeptical but I assure you that it is
legitimate.Please you are not compelled to proceed with me because I
require someone that is highly responsible and trust worthy.



I will not release every information regarding this matter until I hear
back from you. Then if I am satisfied I will detail you with every
information regarding this transaction and also give you more information
about myself to enable you have an idea of the person that you are dealing
with. We shall negotiate on the percentage split during our future
correspondence.



I await your immediate contact.


Best regards,



James Carr(Esq).

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam