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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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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "please endeavor to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "to your nominated 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)
  • ",500,000" (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)
  • "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
• This email message is a next of kin 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.
  • songlilen@yahoo.com.hk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Song Lile" <songlileydok@inbox.com>
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2008 01:58:56 -0400
Subject:

Dear Friend,

My name is Mr. Song Lile, I am the credit officer in Hang Seng Bank,
Hong Kong. There is the sum of $19,500,000.00 in my bank.

There were no beneficiaries stated concerning these funds which means
no one would ever come forward to claim it. That is why I ask that we
work together so as to have the sum transfered out of my bank into your
account.

I want you to know that I have had everything planned out so that we
shall come out successful. I have an attorney that will prepare the
necessary document that will back you up as the next of kin to Colonel
Sadiq Uday.

After you have been made the NEX OF KIN, the attorney will also fill
in for claims on your behalf and secure the necessary approval and
letter of probate in your favour for the move of the funds to an
account that will be provided by you.

There is no risk involved at all in this matter, as we are going to adopt a
legalized method and the attorney will prepare all the necessary documents.
Please endeavor to observe utmost discretion in all matters concerning this
issue.

Once the funds have been transferred to your nominated bank account we
shall then share in the ratio of 70% for me, 30% for you.
Should you be interested please send me your:

1, Full names,
2, private phone number,
3, Current Residential Address,
4, Profession

I will prefer you reach me on my private email address below:
songlilen@yahoo.com.hk

Your earliest response to this letter will be appreciated.

Kind Regards,

Mr Song Lile

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam