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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:
  • "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "into your nominated bank account" (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)
  • "remmitance department" (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)
  • "hundred thousand united states 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)
  • "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)
  • "remmitance department" (this email uses bad English)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• 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.
  • barrchukwu4@myway.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "ike leo" <leo_ike1@livedoor.com>
Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2008 14:39:12 +0100
Subject: urgent reply now


Auditing and Accounting Unit
Foreign Operations Department
Africa Development Bank
Republique du Benin.

Atten Dear,

I am Dr.Leo Ikem,The Manager in charge of Foreign Remmitance Department of
Africa Development Bank Benin Republic,this is a very confidential request
for you.On may 21st 2005,an Importer of Textiles and Automobiles for the
past Thirteen years,MR.Barry Chukwu made a numbered time Fixed Deposit for
twelve calendar months,valued at US$24.4musd( Twenty four million four
hundred thousand United States Dollars) in my bank.

Upon maturity as his Credit Officer,I sent a routine notification to his
forwarding address but got no reply.After a month,we sent a reminder letter
to him and finally I discovered from his employees,that MR.Barry Chukwu was
one of the victim who died ON 24 JULY,2006,WITH HIS ENTIRE FAMILY IN BEIRUT
2006 CLASH BETWEEN HEZBOLLAH AND ISRAELI. And further investigations,and all
attempts to trace his next of kin was fruitless.Again,I made further
investigation and discovered that MR.Barry Chukwu did not declare any next
of kin or relations in all his official documents,including his Bank Deposit
paper work in my Bank.

This sum of US$24.4 million USD is still lying in my Bank no one has ever
come forward to claim it.According to the International Banking ethics,codes
and Laws,at the expiration of 4 (four) years,the money will revert to the
ownership of the Benin Government if nobody applies to claim the fund.

Consequently,i am contacting you as a foreigner to apply in as the next of
kin to MR.Barry Chukwu.This is simple,I will like you to respond immediately
with your full names and contact informations so as I will send to you a
specimen copy of an application form which you will refill and send to the
bank putting claim over the said balance with the bank as the bonafide next
of kin to the deceased.

The money will be paid into your account for us to share in the ratio of 60%
for me and 35% for you while we join hands for any expenses that may arise
in the process of transfering this fund into your nominated bank account you
wish to receive it and 5% to the motherless and the needy in your country.

Upon your good response,I shall then provide you with more details and
relevant informations. Please send to me your confidential telephone/Mobile
and fax numbers for easy communication/oral discussion and more directives
on what next to do.

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 which you will be the
arrow head of the investment.

I must not fail to tell you that this transaction is totally risk free and
legitimate.
EMIAL; (barrchukwu4@myway.com )
Awaiting your urgent reply.

Thanks
Dr.Leo Ikem .
EMIAL; (barrchukwu4@myway.com )

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam