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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:

• 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:
  • "i will like you to " (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. Never ever send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally. )
  • "million united states 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)
  • ",000,000" (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)
  • "00,000.00" (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)
  • "keep it confidential" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
• This email message is a "Zimbabwe" scam.
• 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.
  • geo_zwane213@hotmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: george zwane <geo_zwane213@hotmail.com>
Date: Thu, 1 Nov 2007 13:01:16 +0200
Subject: A MUTUAL BUSINESS REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE. REPLY URGENTLY.





From: Mr. GEORGE ZWANE Tel: 00 84 873 5452
Dear, How are you today? I hope all is well with you.I do understand the concern this letter will bring to you for the fact that it comes from someone strange to you. But be rest assured for it comes with good intentions. However, as I was going on research, looking for responsible and trustworthy someone who can help and assist me in this business/transferring some fund out from South Africa into his personal or company account overseas. I am Mr.GEORGE ZWANE the only son of late Mr. MICHEAL GEORGE ZWANE a citizen of Zimbabwe. My father was among the rich black farmers murdered in cold blood in Zimbabwe by war veterans of President ROBERT MUGABE. However, the number of farmers killed in Zimbabwe over the new land act introduced by president do not give any concern. My main aim of contacting you is to assist me in transferring the sum of $12,000,000.00 (Twelve million United States Dollars )Into your nominated oversea account, this money was given to my father by president Mugabe when they were still in good terms for investment purposes. My father deposited this money in a security company in Johannesburg here in South Africa as if he foresaw the looming blow of his death. My late father deposited the said funds as family treasure in order to avoid seizure since South Africa, have almost the same land laws with Zimbabwe presently. I am residing in South Africa with my mother as asylum seekers, based on our present status we are deprived of some financial rights of banking activities. Moreover, this money is the only thing my late father left for us as such the entire life of my family depends on this money coupled with the responsibilities rested on me, I will be willing to go into partnership on any lucrative business you will suggest in your country. For your acceptance to help me, I have decided to give you 30% of the total money, 70% will be for me and my family, which will also be invested in your country for the future investment of my family. I will like you to contact me, via the above telephone number or email address in case my proposal arouses your interest or if not, please do keep it confidential. I hope to hear from you as soon as possible through this email address: geo_zwane213@hotmail.com
Best regards Mr. GEORGE ZWANE



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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam