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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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• What can you do when you receive 419 spam
  
  
• Spam archive, Daily index
  

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:
  • "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)
  • "cheque " (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. )
  • "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "okechukwuben1 Gazeta.pl" <okechukwuben1@gazeta.pl>
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:13:34 +0100
Subject: Hello my good friend,


Hello my good friend,



How are you today? Hope all is well with you and your family.
I am using this opportunity to inform you that multi-million-dollar business
has been concluded with the assistance of another partner from India who
financed the transaction to a logical conclusion.



Due to your past efforts,sincerity,courage and trustworthiness you showed
during the course of the transaction, I have left a certified
international bank cheque for you with my secretary worth of $1.200,000.00
cashable anywhere in the world.



HIS NAME: Mr.alex igwe
ADDRESS: 50Midombo Cotonou, Benin Republic.
His email address:
( alexigwe@live.fr )

Therefore, you should send to him:
(1) Your full Name and telephone number.
(2) Your full/correct mailing address where you want him to send the
cheque to you.



Thanks and remain blessed.
Dr.Okechukwu .



Have your compensation.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam