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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)
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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:
  • "dearest one," (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "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. )
  • "trunk box" (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)
  • "hundred thousand united state 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)
  • "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
  • "can i completely trust you?" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "your humble assistance" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
• This email message is a orphan scam.

Fraud email example:

From: linda jacobson <linda_jacobson03033@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: linda_jacobson030@yahoo.com
Date: Sat, 13 Oct 2007 07:57:21 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: PLEASE HELP ME


URGENT AND CONFIDENTAL

Dearest One,

I wish to let you know that my chosen you in this transaction is not carnal but through the direction of God. I was praying and fasting for a reliable and honest partner when you were spiritually introduced to me.

I am MISS LINDA JACOBSON, 20 years old and the only daughter of my late RICHARD MR and MRS JACOBSON. My father was a highly reputable business man (a cocoa merchant) who operated in the capital of Ivory coast during his days.

It is sad to say that he passed away mysteriously in France during one of his business trips abroad year 12th Febuary 2005.

Though his sudden death was linked or rather suspected to have been masterminded by an uncle of his who travelled with him at that time. But God knows the truth! My mother died when I was just 4 years old,and since then my father took me so special.

Before his death on 12th Febuary 2005 he called the secretary who accompanied him to the hospital and told him that he has the sum of Twentyfive Million,Seven Hundred Thousand United State Dollars (USD$25,700,000.00) left in a security company in a mettalic trunk box,but the security company didn't know the content because it was registered as family valuables for security reasons.

He further told him that he deposited the money in my name,and finally issued a written instruction to his lawyer whom he said is in possession of all the necessary but legal documents to this fund and the security company.

I am just 20 years old and a university undergraduate and really don't know what to do.Now I want an account overseas where I can transfer this funds. This is because I have suffered a lot of set backs as a result of incessant political crisis here in Ivory coast. The death of my father actually brought sorrow to my life.

SIR/MADAM, I am in a sincere desire of your humble assistance in this regards.Your suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded. Now permit me to ask these few questions:-

1. Can you honestly help me as your daughter?
2. Can I completely trust you?
3. What percentage of the total amount in question will be good for you after the money is in your account?

Please,Consider this and get back to me as soon as possible. Thank you so much.

My sincere regards,
Miss Linda Jacobson


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam