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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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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:
  • "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
  • "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
  • "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. )
• 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.
  • +22993927120 (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.
  • fedex_express_complc1887@hotmail.com

Fraud email example:

From: "frank bello" <frank_bello01@mobimail.mn>
Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2008 10:56:51 +0100
Subject: CONTACT FEDEX COURIER SERVICVE FOR YOUR DELIVERY OF YOU CONSIGNMENT BOX


Hello Dear,


I have Paid the fee for your Cheque Draft.but the manager of Eko Bank Benin
told me that before the check will get to you that it will expire.So i told
him to cash $1.5millions united state dollars all the necessary arrangement
of delivering the $1.5millions united state dollars in cash was made with
FEDEX COURIER COMPANY.

This in the information they need to delivery your package to you.
ATTN: Edward Lynn (Director)
EMAIL: fedex_express_complc1887@hotmail.com
contact phone number +229-93927120 +229-9734-6423
Please, Send them your contacts information to able them locate you
immediately they arrived in your country with your BOX .This is what they
need from you.

1.YOUR FULL NAME............
2.YOUR COUNTRY...........
3.YOUR HOME ADDRESS..............
4.YOUR CURRENT HOME TELEPHONE NUMBER.........
5.YOUR CURRENT OFFICE TELEPHONE..........
6.A COPY OF YOUR PICTURE............

Please make sure you send this needed infomation to the Director FEDEX
COURIER COMPANY. Edward Lynn (Director) with the address given to you.
Note. FEDEX COURIER COMPANY. don't know the contents of the Box.i register
it as 1 Box Sensitive Photographic Film Material . They don't know it
contents money. this is to avoid them delaying with the Box.
the Deposit details:
Deposit Number: PLCC-101-PL45
Sort/Clearance Code: PLC/101-45/P50
Deposit Certificate N0.: 405576
Consignment Description: 1 Box Sensitive Photographic Film Material
Depositor: Mr.frank bello
I wait to hear from you.
Regards,
Mr.Frank bello

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam