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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:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "trunk box" (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)
  • "liberia" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a orphan scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "samuel dlovu002" <samuel.dlovu002@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 13:28:12 +0100
Subject: GOOD DAY


Dear Friend,

I will like to invest in your country. I am Samuel Dlovu from Liberia, the
son of Michael Dlovu, former Minister of Mines and Industry.
Our parents were killed in the Liberia war. Our Father deposited trunk box
containing 33.6 Million U.S Dollars with Global Security and Finance Company
in Ghana, for safe keeping and before his death he instructed that I should
claim it to look after my only sister and my self.

My sister and I are now in Accra Ghana-West Africa, to notify claims of the
fund. We intend to invest this money abroad, hence my contacting you to
advise us how best we can invest this money in your country. One Mr. Bill
Lloyd, who was supposed to receive this consignment box in USA, was
demanding for 50% which I and my sister did not agree on for any reason,
which was why we have to stop the delivery to him immediately, and search
for another beneficiary who can help us on this. For your assistance we
offer 20% of the money to you. We have all the vital documents covering the
deposit fund and the ownership which I can send on request.

Please send your direct phone and fax numbers for more information on your
reply.

Thank you very much for the anticipated acceptance while I expect your
prompt response.

Best regards
,
Samuel Dlovu

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam