419 Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam (2006-01)

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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

The so-called "419" scam is a type of fraud dominated by criminals from Nigeria and other countries in Africa. Victims of the scam are promised a large amount of money, such as a lottery prize, inheritance, money sitting in some bank account, etc.

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.

Keep in mind that scammers DO NOT use their real names when defrauding people.
The criminals either abuse names of real people or companies or invent names or addresses.
Any real people or companies mentioned below have NO CONNECTION to the scammers!

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:

The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
- "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
- "dormant account" (Banks mentioned in 419 scams are always fake (real banks don't communicate using mobile phones or free webmail addresses))
This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
- +447031835818 (UK, redirects to a mobile phone in another country)

Fraud email example:

From: MARK DUKE <markduke1444@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <markduke_07@hotmail.com>
Date: Fri, 21 Sep 2007 14:01:39 +0200
Subject: Mr.Duke Fund Manager of HSBC BANK UK seeking your assistance as the
beneficiary.

HSBC BANK International UK
ST. Helier Jersey JE1 1HS Channel Islands.
www.offshore.hsbc.com

Dear Friend,

I am MR.MARK DUKE, one of the Fund Managers of HSBC BANK International UK. Nevertheless, I discovered a dormant account in my office, as a Fund Manager with HSBC BANK International UK. It will be in my interest to transfer this fund to you as the beneficiary.Remember this is absolutely confidential, as I am seeking your assistance as the beneficiary of this unclaimed funds, since we are not allowed to operate a foreign account, Your contact phone numbers and name will be necessary for this effect, I have reposed my confidence in you and hope that you will not disappoint me.

My Regards,
Mark Duke.
Fund Manager
HSBC BANK International UK
www.offshore.hsbc.com
CELL NO: +447031835818.

_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

What can you do when you receive 419 spam