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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:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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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)
  • "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "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)
  • "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
  • "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
  • "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
• This email message is a "New Partner from Paraguay" scam.
• This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +22993164344 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
• 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.
  • pius_well01@yahoo.it (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "innocent_ akajiugo15" <innocent_akajiugo15@klikni.cz>
Date: Mon, 19 May 2008 18:19:53 +0100
Subject: Account Officer, United Trust Bank Plc


*Hello my good friend.*
*How are you today? Hope all is well with you and your
family?,You may not understand why this mail came to
you.*

*But if you do not remember me, you might have receive an
email from me in the past regarding a multi-million-dollar
business proposal which we never concluded.*

*I am using this opportunity to inform you that this
multi-million-dollar business has been concluded with
the assistance of another partner from Seoul- Korea who financed the
transaction to a logical conclusion.I thank you for your great effort
to our unfinished transfer of fund into your account due to
one reason or the other best known to you.*

*But I want to inform you that I have successfully
transferred the fund into my new partner's account in Seoul- Korea,
who was eventually, capable of assisting me in this great
venture. *

*Due to your effort, sincerity, courage and trust
worthiness You showed during the course of the transaction.
I want to compensate you and show my gratitude to you with
the sum of $5,200,000.00.I have left a certified
international Bank Draft Cheque for you worth of
$5,200,000.00 cashable everywhere in the world.*

*My dear friend I will like you to contact my Account
Officer with United Trust Bank Plc,Cotonou- Benin Republic,
his name is Mr Pius Well,on his direct email address at,
pius_well01@yahoo.it **, Telephone +229-93-164-344,
for the collection of your certified Bank Draft
Cheque.*

*I authorized him to release the Bank Draft Cheque to
you whenever you contact him regarding for it, At the moment, I'm
very busy here because of the investment projects,which I and the new
partner are having at hand.*

*Please I will like you to accept this token with good
faith as this is from the bottom of my heart, Also comply
with Mr.Pius Well's directives so that he will send the draft Cheque to
you without any delay.*

*CONTACT: Mr.Pius Well.
Account Officer, United Trust Bank Plc,
Cotonou, Benin Republic,Branch Head Office.
Tel: +229-93-164-344.*

*His email address: (pius_well01@yahoo.it** )
Therefore, you should send him your full Name and
telephone number/your correct mailing address where you want him
to send the Bank Draft to you.*

*Thanks and God bless you and your family.
Hoping to hear from you as soon as you cash your Bank*

*Draft Cheque.
Barr,Innocent Akajiugo.
Seoul- Korea.*

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam