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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 friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
  • "united state of america" (this email uses bad English)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "chambers" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: william bello <supreme_chambers9@yahoo.com>
Date: Fri, 21 Dec 2007 01:09:45 -0800 (PST)
Subject: waiting for your urgent reply


FROM: BARRISTER WILLIAMS BELLO, SUPREME CHAMBERS
21, OLA CRESENT VICTORIA ISLAND LAGOS-NIGERIA

Dear Friend,

This letter is not intended to cause any embarrassment in whatever form,rather it is intended to contact your esteemed self, following the knowledge of your high repute and trust worthiness. Firstly,I must solicit your confidentiality.I know that a proposal of this magnitude will make anyone apprehensive and worried,but I am assuring you that it is made in good faith and will be of mutual benefit.

I AM BARRISTER WILLIAMS BELLO,A PERSONAL ATTORNEY TO MR MERCULEY HARRISON OF UNITED STATE OF AMERICA.

I need your services in a confidential matter regarding money out of a
Family beneficiary deposit.This requires a private arrangement. You will receive these funds under legal claims as his supposed next of kin, all legal documents will be carefully worked out to ensure a risky free transfer. I am Willing to pay a generous management fee as well as appreciation for fewer questions asked. I have all the details. The funds in question are quite large.

The funds were deposited by my client MR MERCULEY HARRISON with African Development Bank plc, long time ago.I will expect a straight answer from you. If you are willing to receive the funds, I have decided that we will share the funds 50 - 50 %. If Yes, Please give me your private phone and mobile no, your age, then let's Work out the modalities and have the funds immediately.

All i need from you is your honesty / sincerity and an assurance that you will not betray me at last when you receive the funds into your care for safe keeping and future investments in your country.
I am waiting for your urgent reply,

Faithfully yours,
BARRISTER WILLIAMS BELLO

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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam