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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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "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)
  • "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.
  
• This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
  • yayikunou@hotmail.fr (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "domjohn1" <domjohn@centrum.sk>
Date: Thu, 04 Sep 2008 17:35:33 +0200
Subject: Dear Friend,


Dear Friend,
 
How are you today? This is Mr Dom John. I am happy to inform you that the transaction which I proposed to you some time ago have been successfully concluded. Of course it was my wish to have concluded the transaction with you but you were not competent to handle a project of such magnitude. Am sorry to hear about your Financial problem you mentioned.
 
However, for your little assistance, I have decided to compensate you with sum of US$1,200,000.00   I believe this will help you to start something of your own. I will be very happy for you to call me very soon to update on how you have judiciously used this fund to expand your business venture.
 
I advise you not to misuse the fund because such opportunities are not easy to come by. I was touched when you told me your poor financial status which made you to miss such an ample opportunity. Please the transaction remains a secret because I have political ambition and do not want any hindrance to jeopardize my chances.
 
You have to contact my Personal Secretary, Mr. Yayi Kunou  on  His E-mail: (yayikunou@hotmail.fr)  He will handle the protocols on how to send you the International Bank Draft Cheque and do not fail to call for my assistance whenever it is needed.
 
Have a nice day.
 
 
Regards,
 
Mr Dom John

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam