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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)
  • "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)
  • "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 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.
  • bankplc@mail.ru (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "FRANK JOHN" <venture16@ig.com.br>
Date: Wed, 4 Jun 2008 19:47:21 +0200
Subject: Hello my good friend.


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 ulti million
dollar business proposal which we never concluded.

I am using this opportunity to inform you that this ulti-million-dollar
business has been concluded with the assistance of another partner from
Germany 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 fundinto my new partner's account
in Germany, 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 $800,000.00 u.s dollars.

I have left a certified international bank draft for you worth of
$800,000.00 u.s dollars cashable in bank account over there in my country.
My dear friend I will like you to contact my Account Officer with Bank of
africa Plc, Cotonou- Benin Republic,his name is Rev,Dr. Bala Pett on his
direct email address at:( bankplc@mail.ru ) for the collection of your
certified bank draft. I authorized him to release the Bank Draft to you
whenever you contacther for the bank draft. 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 Rev,Dr. Bala Pett directives so
that he will send the draft to you without any delay.

CONTACT PERSON: REV,DR.BALA PETT.
Account Officer, BANK OF AFRICA Plc,
Country, BENIN REPUBLIC,
Telphone:00229-937-950-35
E-mail address:[bankplc@mail.ru]

Therefore, you should send him your full Name and telephone number/your
correct mailing address where you want him to send the draft to you.

Thanks and God bless you and your family.
Hoping to hear from you as soon as you cash your bank draft.
Your good Friend...
Mr Frank John

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam