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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
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• 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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "hundred thousand united state 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)
  • "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
  • "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 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• 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.
  • mailmikeeke@yahoo.com

Fraud email example:

From: "MATTHEW CHIDOZIE" <matthewchidozie6@ig.com.br>
Date: Thu, 5 Jun 2008 19:28:49 +0100
Subject: Season's Greetings!


My Dear Friend,

Season's Greetings!

This is my appreciation for your passed commitments in the transaction.I
realized your hands were tied up then.I have transfered the Fund in a new
Bank Account provided by a friend of mine in London .I dropped an
International Certified Bank Draft worth US$1.5m (one million,five hundred
thousand united state dollars) to send to you in care of secretary (MIKE
EKE) in Benin-Republic as compensation for your passed efforts.

So contact hIM via this email address: (mailmikeeke@yahoo.com) or forward my
email to him, asking him to send the Bank Draft to you.I am presently in
London trying to set up business,buy shares,stocks,and other profitable
businesses.

Send to him your infomation as i listed below:-

1. Your full name:-------------------------------------------
2. Your home delivery address:--------------------------------
3. Your mobile & house phone numbers:----------------------

Take good care of yourself.

Best wishes,

mr matthew chidozie

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam