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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.

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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:
  • "inheritance funds" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "into 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)
  • "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)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "chambers" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: "Uba Donald" <donald_uba@klikni.cz>
Reply-To: ubadonald@web2mail.com
Date: Mon, 26 May 2008 02:27:43 -0700
Subject: Good Day


DONALD AND CO. CHAMBERS
Legal Head, Uba and Co. Chambers.
14 board way Victoria Island,
Lagos-Nigeria.

My name is Barrister Uba Donald, I may have to trouble your sense of
personal achievement and reward for an pportunity properly taken advantage
of. I wish to notify you again that you were listed as a beneficiary to the
total sum of US$ 27,000, 000.00(Twenty Seven Million United States Dollars
Only) in the intent of the deceased (name now withheld since this is my
second letter to you).

I contacted you because you bear the same last name with my deceased client
and therefore I can present you as the beneficiary to the inheritance,
since there is no written will from my late client. Our legal services aim
to provide you with a complete service as I am prepared to provide you with
all the documents required by the holding Bank to enable them release this
inheritance funds to you.

All the papers work required will be processed in your acceptance of this
deal as I am prepared to offer you 45%, 50% for me, while 5% will be set
aside for any expenses we pay for during this transaction, that is to say
that any money spent during the period of this transaction, will be
refunded, once the fund has been transferred into your nominated bank
account.

I request that you kindly forward to me your letter of acceptance
Full Name:
Full Address:
Tel No.:
Private Email:

Occupation:Date of Birth: Your prompt response is highly imperative.
Yours sincerely,

Barrister Uba Donald. Esq

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam