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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:
  • "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 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• 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.
  • +229938478 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: "PRINCE EZEBN UGO" <princeezeugo22@ig.com.br>
Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2008 02:49:11 -0700
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 this multi-million-dollar business has
been concluded with the assistance of another partner from Chile who
financed the transaction to a logical conclusion. Due to your
effort,sincerity,courage and trust worthiness You showed during the course
of the transaction. I have left a certified Bank Draft. for you worth of
$1,100,000.00 cashable anywhere in the world.

Contact: Mr.Phillip Baker.
Account Officer, Bank of Africa Plc,
Cotonou, Benin Republic,
Tel:+229-938478
His email **phillipbaker@ymail.com* <phillipbaker@ymail.com>

*
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, or your
account information for depositing the Bank Draft. Thanks and God bless you
and your family. Hoping to hear from you as soon as you cash your
Bank Draft.

Mr.Prince Eze Ugo.
*

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam