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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) 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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

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)
  • "necessary legal documents" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. Never ever send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally. )
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
• 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.
  • barrister.okome@citromail.hu

Fraud email example:

From: "alexender barrister" <barristeralexender@student.com>
Date: Wed, 2 Jul 2008 14:03:58 +0100
Subject: From Barrister Alexander Okome


Dear Friend,


I'm aware that, a discussion of this magnitude should not have come through
email considering your status, but I seek for your consent.

Note that the only reason why this letter is sent to you is because you have
the-same Last name + the same Nationality with my late client.

Please pay a little attention as you read through.


I am Barrister Alexander Okome A solicitor at law, the personal attorney of
late Morris nationality of your country who was an oil consultant with
PIZZOLUB in Mali .


My client, his wife and their only daughter were involved in auto crash
along Hippodrome express road. All occupants of the vehicle unfortunately
lost their lives.


Since then I have made several enquiries to your embassy to locate any of my
clients extended relatives, this has totally proved abortive.

I am contacting you to act as his Next of kin to receive the Entitlements
and Benefits paid to him by his company (Pizzolub) valued at Six Million,
two hundred thousand dollars, which was paid on the 12th February 2007.

This fund has been deposit with Global Responsible Security Firm.



After these several unsuccessful attempts, to locate any member of his
family, I therefore seek for your consent to present you as the next of kin
of the deceased since you have the same Last name and of the same
nationality, so that the proceeds of this benefits shall be paid to you and
then you and I can share this money.


Upon the receipt of your response, we can therefore discuss the sharing
modalities.


Don't forget, I have all the necessary legal documents that will be used to
back you up the claims. All I require is your honest cooperation to enable
us conclude this deal. I guarantee that this will be executed under a
legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any breach of the law.


Best regards,

Barrister Alexander Okome


Email; barrister.okome@citromail.hu

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam