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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "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)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
• This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
  • barristerfrankben@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: Barrister Frank Ben <barristerfrankben_nig23401@yahoo.fr>
Date: Wed, 05 Sep 2007 09:35:32 +0200
Subject: Attn: Dear Diamond,


Attn: Dear Diamond,

I am Barrister Frank Ben an attorney at law. I got your contact information from a close friend who works with our country commission in your country. Although, I did not disclose my reason for needing the contact of a reputable citizen of your country to my friend in the course of my inquiry.. I have at present a mutual business offer that will profit your good self and me immensely, I am personal attorney to my late Mr.Robert Diamond client who came from your country and also was a crude oil broker here in Nigeria.

On the 4th of January 2005,Mr.Robert Diamond,his wife and their children were involved in a fatal car accident that claimed their lives. Since then I have made several inquiries through embassy to locate any of my late client relatives which proved unsuccessful. After all my attempts, I decided to present you to the bank as the next of kin to late my late cleint Mr.Robert Diamond since you bear the same last name with him.

The amount to be release to you is 30.million Dollars in into your account for two of us if you agree on my terms, 50% is for you, and 45% comes to me while 5% is for any expenses. We will proceed to execute this business immediately I have your consent and trust.
If this interest you, kindly get back to me through my direct and Official email address: barristerfrankben@yahoo.com

Waiting for your prompt response.

Yours faithfully,
Barrister Frank Ben. --

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam