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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "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)
  • "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 "New Partner from Paraguay" scam.
• 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.
  • +22993893195 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: "FLOREA COCU" <f.cocu17@ig.com.br>
Date: Mon, 4 Aug 2008 20:03:10 +0200
Subject: Contact my secrectary for your compensaction


Hello my good friend,


How are you today? Hope all is well with you and your family?


I am using this opportunity to inform you that this mlti-million-dollar
business has been concluded with the assistance of another partner from
India who financed the transaction to a logical conclusion. Due to your past
efforts,sincerity,courage and trustworthiness you showed during the course
of the transaction, I have left a certified international bank cheque for
you with my secretary worth of $800,000.00 cashable anywhere in the world.


HIS NAME: Nnekwu Akabueze A
ADDRESS: Cotonou, Benin Republic.
His email address/ newangel2008@live.com
Cell Phone / +229 938 931 95



Therefore, you should send to him:


(1) Your full Name and telephone number.
(2) Your full/correct mailing address where you want him to send the cheque
to you.


Thanks and remain
Florea Cocu

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam