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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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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:
  • "million us 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)
  • "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
  • "god fearing " (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
• This email message is a "dying widow" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "info_presidency@cartagena.es" <info_presidency@cartagena.es>
Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2008 17:38:33 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: FROM MRS MARIA


118 James Modu way
Iepebo villa
Cotonou,
Rep Du Benin (Close to Badagry)

Dear Sir,

I apologise if this mail message does not suit your personal or business ethics.I write with sincerity to seek your cooperation and assistance.I am writing from the hospital with my laptop and would need no telephone conversation to this effect because of my health problem.

I am Mrs Maria Sara from Philipine. I was married to Late Mr.Mohamed Akin who worked with Philipine Embassy in Cotonuo before his death in 2005.We were married for eleven years without a child.However,before his death we were both born again Christian. Since his death I decided not to re-marry or get a child outside my matrimonial home which the Bible is against. When my late husband was alive he deposited ( Fifteen Million US Dollars) in Global Security Company between the border of Cotonou/Nigeria .

He deposited the fund as family treasure however he did not declare the real content of the deposit to the security company, rather he deposited it as gold bars.My intentions was to clear the fund from the security company at the middle of last year for investment outside the country.But unfortunately i develop a heart cancer sickness my condition is not getting better anymore and I have decided to look for a foreigner who can invest this fund the way I am going to instruct herein, However,I want a Trust worthy,reliable and God fearing Man or Woman that will utilise this fund the way i am going to insruct him.First i would want you to assure me that you would handle this project degilently as i would recommend. Having said this i would need the following informations from you .

1)Your full name and address.
2)Your marrital status
3)Your occupation/Profession

As soon as I receive your reply I shall contact a lawyer who would clear the fund from the security company as i have all the document to the deposit.The lawyer would also assist you in shipping the fund to you by international diplomatic mean to your country for the purpose of investment in your country. Please assure me that you will act accordingly as I Stated herein. Hoping to receive your response immedaitely. And please pray for me.

I remain yours sincerely.
Mrs Maria. Sara. Akin

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam