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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
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• 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:
  • "million us 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)
  • "% will be for you" (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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Misslinda Johnson <misslindajohnson002@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: misslindajohnson001@yahoo.com
Date: Tue, 8 Jul 2008 12:55:19 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Private for you.................








My Dear,

 
My name is Linda Johnson, I am with the US Army and I am serving in the 1st Armoured Division in Iraq. Me and my partner discovered and moved funds belonging to Saddam Hussein.

 
The total is $52,000,000.00 (fiftytwo million US dollars) this money is being kept safe in the security company in Lomé-Togo. Click on this link to read about events that took place here.

 
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2988455.stm

 
Basically since we are working for the American government we cannot keep these funds so we want to transfer the funds to you, so that you can keep it for us in your safe account until after our service.

 
We will divide the total fund this way, 80% for me and my partner while 35% will be for you and the other 5% will be set aside for any expenses that might be incurred.

This business is should be kept confidential due to the nature of our work and present status. If you are interested send me an e-mail signifying your interest including your private telephone/fax numbers for quick communication.

Anticipating your immediate response.

 
Sincerely

 
Ms Linda Johnson.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam