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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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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:
  • "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)
  • "affidavit " (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.
• 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.
  • +22993203422 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
• 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.
  • officewestern902@gmail.com

Fraud email example:

From: "william peters" <williampeters@telegraf.by>
Date: Thu, 5 Jun 2008 11:28:25 +0200
Subject: CONTACT WESTERN UNION MONEY TRANSFER FOR YOUR FUND


Attn: my dear

we have finally arranged for the payment of your ($900.000.00) Nine hundred
thousand united state dollars which was deposited in atm payment card to be
sent to you through western union money transfer.Your payment will sent to
you by western union, the amount you will receive per day is $7,000.The
director of the payment center of western union money tranfer will be
sending you the standard tracking details you need in tracking and to pick
up your ($7,000) daily , you will receive ($7,000) every two days till you
receive the total $900.000.00 united state dollars, We made the decision to
send your funds thruogh western union money transfer becouse of the cost
associated with the transfer of an atm card.The only fee you have to send
them is $280usd that they will be use


william peters: in obtaining on your behalf the affidavit of ownership that
will prove that you are the real owner the total sum of $900.000.00. be rest
assure that all other fees have been paid by me.The director of the payment
center have already signed your payment, now you are free to comply with
western union payment office on this email: ( officewestern902@gmail.com )


however, kindly contact the below person who is in position to release your
payment by western union $7,000 per day. try and send them the fee of $280
usd immediately to enable them send your fund ok.


Mr Ben Good,
western union department
Financial Bank Benin,
Mobile: +22993203422
E-mail:( officewestern902@gmail.com )

The western union payment canter has been mandated
william peters :mandated to issue out your payment and you have to stop any
further communication with any other person(s) or office(s) to avoid any
hitches in receiving your payment.


Note that the director needs this payment details from you to enable him
process your payment:
Receiver name---------------
Country---------------------
City------------------------
Tel-------------------------
MTCN--------------------
Test question---------------
Answer----------------------



Comply now because as soon as you sent this required details to Mr Ben Good
he will start sending your payment and also quote the code number 040684 in
your reply to enable them trace your file quikly


Regards,
William peters

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam