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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:
  • "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
  • "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
  • "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.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "sunday udo" <sundayudo2005@gala.net>
Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2008 21:38:36 +0100
Subject: NEWS FOR FEDEX COMPANY


Hello my good friend,

How are you today?Kindling contact Fedex courier company I am using
Thisopportunity to inform you that this mlti-million-dollarbusiness
has Been concluded with the assistance of another partner from Chile
whofinanced the transaction to a logical conclusion. Due to your
effort,sincerity,courageandtrustworthiness You showed during the
courseof the transaction. I have left a certified international bank cheque
foryou worth of $550,000.00 cashable any where in the world.
CONTACT: Mr. David Oliver(Senior Delivery Officer)
Cotonou, Benin Republic.
His email address: fedex_customer_servicesnig01@live.com
Therefore, you should send him:
1.Your full Name.
2.Telephone number.
3.Your correct mailing address where you want him to send the cheque to
you.
Thanks and God bless you and your family.

Mr Sunday udo Smith

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam