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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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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)
  • "huge amount of money" (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)
  • "million united states 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)
  • ",000,000" (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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "Alhaji. Abdullah Dikko" <alhajidikkoabdullahi19@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 24 May 2008 15:06:21 +0100
Subject: URGENT RESPONSE NEEDED


Dear Friend,

Please dont be offeneded in the manner of my approach based on the purpose
of this contact, I am a Comptroller of Customs Dikko Abdullahi (NIGERIA
CUSTOMS SERVICE AND EXERCISE) During a routine check my men discovered one
Unpacked box with seals Said to contained photographic papers, but on my
close examination I discovered that it was (AMERICAN DOLLARS) I then
conveyed it to the (CUSTOM ENFORCEMENT AGENCY) For proper examination.

Moreover, after the final examination it was $31,000,000,00 (Thirty one
million united states dollars) I then collided with the officers involved in
the examination to take it out from the customs enforcement agency and
replac it with genuine photographic papers as stated in the importers copy
as a civil servant we are not allowed to move cash or operate international
account.

So therefore, for this reason i are seeking your Co-operation to avail this
huge amount of money to your country for Banking and investment purpose.For
the fact that it is not wise for us as a civil servant to invest it in our
Country.

The funds now have been lorged/deposited in a security/finance company for
safe keep pending when i will get a reliable person to receive this funds in
his account, the certificate of deposite will be sent to you as soon as you
indicate your interest to this offer,again note my lawyer friend is here
perfecting all legal documents for the transfer of funds to you account.

We have mapped out 15% for you and another 10% for the local and
international expenditures that may be incured in the process of this
transaction,Thank you for your anticipated cooperation and let the angels of
God continued to giude and protect us Amen.

Waiting to hear from you soon,my private email is:
alhajidikkoabdullahi@live.com

Best Regards,
Alhaji.Dikko Abdullahi( Comptroller of Customs )

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam