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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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• Spam archive, Daily index
  

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:
  • "hundred thousand 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)
  • ",500,000" (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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "Sharon Famous" <sharon_famous707@yahoo.com.sg>
Date: Thu, 7 Aug 2008 11:03:20 +0200
Subject: A Very Special Message for you


Hello,

I know that this letter might be a suprise to you but do consider it as
emergency.I am Ms. Sharon Famous, single, 27years old girl, from Cape
Verde. I love reading, nature, art, cooking, praying, and singin.I have to
tell you about myself and family.

My Father Dr.Van Famous was a Neurological consultant in the government
hospital,and also wealthy, but he died in an auto crash with my mother, and
ever since I have been undergoing a life with facet of frustration. It has
not been quite long I knew that my father has a lawyer. He told me about my
late father deposited fund in Europe. $3,500,000 US dollars (Three million,
five hundred thousand US dollars) in a financial institution in Europe,which
my name given as the next of kin.

The lawyer advice me to look for a trustee or a foreign beneficiary that
will help me and make the claim the money. This is reason to which I have
contacted you to assist me in transfer of the fund to your country. I shall
be willing to stay and invest my inheritance with you in your country.i.All
I need is your sincerity and co-operation.

I am thanking you for your positive responce.

Yours faithfully,
Sharon Famous

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam