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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
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• Company names mentioned in 419 spam:
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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)
  • "a security company " (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. )
  • "hundred thousand u.s 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)
  • "i got your address from " (this SPAM email was probably sent to thousands of people)
  • "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
• This email message is a "dying widow" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: ANN ELIZA TONY ZOUNDE <clarification@rediffmail.com>
Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2007 21:58:47 +0200
Subject: RESPOND AS URGENT

Dear Sir/Madam,

I greet you in the Name of GOD. I am MRS ANN ELIZA TONY ZOUNDE from South Africa. I am married to Late MR.JOHNSON TONY of blessed memory who was oil explorer in Kuwait and Brunei for fifteen years before he died in the year 2005.We were married for twelve years without a child. He died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days. Before his death we were both devoted to our God and respect other who serves Him. Since his death, I too have been battling with both Cancer and fibroid problems. When my late Husband was alive he Deposited the sum of $10.5million(Ten Million, Five Hundred thousand U.S Dollars) in a Security Company in Italy. The money was deposited as Family Valuables/Treasure for security and family reasons. Recently, my doctor told me that I have less than three months to live due to my cancer problem, and this lead to a stroke attack which bother me most though because I cannot move as I use to.

Having known my condition, I decided to entrust this fund to either a philanthropic organization or devoted individual that will utilize this money the way I am going to instruct herein. 30% of the US$10.5million (US$3.150 million) goes to you to ensure that you are prepared for the task ahead, 60% of the US$10.5million (US$6.300 million) will be used in all sincerity to fund philanthropic organization,orphanages, widows and 5% of the will go to the family Attorney who will prepare the Authorization and the balance 5% sent to me to at least to prepare for my funeral and off-set my medical bills. I am taking this decision because I don't have any child or devoted relations whose behavior has left much to be desired while I am ill and above all,I don't want a situation where this money will be used in an unGodly manner, hence this bold decision.Since my health is Retrogressing by the minute, you will have to send your POSTAL ADDRESS, CONTACT PHONE NUMBER AND FAX and a little details about yourself, because I got your address from the internet after a thorough search.
  
As soon as I receive this information from you, I will make arrangement
to prepare the Authorization Letter for you to  get Possession of the Deposit.  and the authorization will be  given to you by me, I will give you the name and contact of the Deposit Security Company where the money was deposited in Italy, for claims to the funds. Until I hear from you, I pray that this letter bring you and your family good tiding while my dreams to help Humanity rest squarely on your shoulders. May the Almighty God continue to guide and protect you.

Remain Blessed.

MRS ANN ELIZA TONY ZOUNDE

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam