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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
• "Is that email a scam?" - Check it online here!
  
• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
  (+225 +229 +234 +27 +31 +32 +34 +44 other)
• Company names mentioned in 419 spam:
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• What can you do when you receive 419 spam
  
  
• Spam archive, Daily index
  

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:
  • "transferred into your bank account" (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)
  • "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Derek Oconnor <derekoconnor1@yahoo.ca>
Reply-To: derekoconnor63@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Thu, 3 Apr 2008 09:24:27 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: FROM: Mr. Derek O"Connor


Attn: Sir,

I am Mr. Derek O"Connor, a director with Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). I have a deal of US$38 million that needs to be transferred into your bank account; this deal is an over invoiced contract sum, which is now approved for payment/transfer.

I need your help to join me work it out together for our mutual benefit. There is no risk involved. You will be detailed as soon as you indicate your interest and willingness.

Await your response.

Regards.
Mr. Derek O"Connor.

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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam