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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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• What can you do when you receive 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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "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.
  • +2348087599612 (Nigeria, prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: "guinesspromo Gazeta.pl" <guinesspromo@gazeta.pl>
Date: Sat, 31 May 2008 01:59:01 +0100
Subject: ACCEPT THIS FOR YOUR PAST EFFORT.


*Dear Friend,*
**
*I am using this opportunity to 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 Check out
of the company to someone elsewho was Capable of assisting me in this great
venture.
Due to your effort, sincerity, courage and trustworthiness you showed
at the course of the transaction I want to compensate you and show my
Gratitude to you with the sum of $750,000.00 (Seven Hundred And fifty
Thousand Dollars) I have authorized the finance house where I deposited my
money to Issue you international certified bank draft cashable at your bank.
My dear Friend I will like you to contact the finance house for the
collection of this International certified bank draft.*
**
*The name and contact address of the Person with your check MR David Smith
is as follows.*
**
*COMPENSATION HEAD OFFICE
CONTACT AGENT: MR David Smith*
*EMAIL:contact_mrdavidsmith@post.ro*
*TEL: +234-80-875-996-12*
**
*At the moment, I am very busy here because of the investment projects
Which myself and my new partner are having at hand.*
*Finally, remember That I have forwarded instruction to the finance
house on your behalf to send The bank draft to you as soon as you contact
them without delay.*
**
*Please I will like you to accept this token with good faith as this is
From the bottom of my heart.*
**
*Thanks and God bless you and your family. Hope to hear from you soon.*
**
*Best Regards*
*
Mr.Paul Allen.
*

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam