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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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "million 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)
  • ",000,000" (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)
  • "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)
  • "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
  • "utmost confidentiality" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
  • "very confidential" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
  • "observe utmost confidentiality" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
  • "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• 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.
  • +22993997295 (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.
  • johnmalak01@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr. John Malak" <jmalak515@googlemail.com>
Reply-To: johnmalak01@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 4 Jul 2008 16:52:55 -0700
Subject: From: Mr.John


*From: Mr.John Malak.
Audit and Accounting Office
Bond Bank-Benin: Avenue
Jean-Paul II, 08 BP 0879-Cotonou
Tel: +229 93 997 295
email:(johnmalak01@gmail.com<http://us.mc905.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=johnmalak01@gmail.com>
)

My Dear,

I am Mr.John Malak Audit Manager Bond Bank-Benin. in the capital city of
Cotonou Benin republic, and assistance, this is a very confidential
proposition for you. On April 21st 1999, A Swedish Oil consultant/contractor
with the Benenoise Solid Minerals Corporation, Mr.Soren Anderson made a
numbered time (Fixed) Deposit for twelve calendar months, valued at
US$8,000,000.00 (Eight Million Dollars only) in my branch.

Upon maturity on November 20th 2003 as his Credit Officer, I sent a routine
notification to his forwarding address but got no reply. After a month, we
sent a reminder and finally i discovered from his contract employers, the
Benenoise Solid Minerals Corporation that Mr.Soren Anderson died on auto
accident with his entire family.

Further investigations and all attempts to trace his next of kin was
fruitless. Again, I made further investigation and discovered that Mr.Soren
Anderson did not declare any kin or relations in all his official documents,
including his Bank Deposit paperwork in my Bank.

This sum of US$8,000,000.00 is still sitting in my Bank No one will ever
come forward to claim it. According to the International Banking ethics,
codes and Laws, at the expiration of (Two) years, the money will revert to
the ownership of the Benin Government if nobody applies to claim the fund.

Consequently, my proposal is that I will like you as a foreigner to stand in
as the next of kin to Mr.Soren. This is simple, immediately with your full
names and address so that we will prepare the necessary documents and
affidavits that will put you in place as the next of kin.

The money will be paid into your account for us to share in the ratio of 70%
for me and some of my colleagues who are aware of this transaction and 25%
for you and 5% for Expenses Incurred in the course of the transaction There
is no risk at all as all the paperwork for this transaction will be done by
my colleagues and with my position as the Foreign Remittance Director
guarantees the successful execution of this transaction.

Upon your response, I shall then provide you with more details and relevant
documents that will help you understand the transaction. Please send me your
confidential telephone and fax numbers for easy communication. You should
observe utmost confidentiality, and be rest assured that this transaction
would be most profitable for both of us because I shall require your
assistance to invest my share in your country.

Awaiting your urgent reply.

Remain Bless.
Mr.John Malak
+229 93 997 295*

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam