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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• 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:
  • "million united states 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)
  • ",000,000" (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)
  • "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)
  • "barr." (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• 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.
  • prvate_markanthony2000@yahoo.co.jp

Fraud email example:

From: BARRISTER MARK ANTHONY <fiduciary.dept@live.com>
Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:57:27 -0400
Subject: Good-day,

I wish to notify you that you were listed as a beneficiary to the total sum of USD$11,000,000.00 (Eleven Million United states Dollars) in the codicil and last testament of the deceased .

I contacted you because you bear the same surname identity and therefore can present you as the beneficiary to the inheritance therein. I therefore reckoned that you could receive this fund as you are qualified by your name.

All the legal papers will be processed in your acceptance of this deal, I request that you kindly forward to me the below information that is been requested.

1.Your Letter of Acceptance.
2.Your Full Names.
3. Occupation.
4. Current Home and Mobile Numbers
5.Marital Status.
6.Age.

To enable me forward a written notification letter to the holding bank of this fund for the release of this sum of money.

Please get back to me ASAP so as to get this done immediately,reply me through this private email addres(prvate_markanthony2000@yahoo.co.jp).

NOTE: I am contacting you to assist me as a financier/sponsor because this transaction will need some financing to finalize it and I can't afford it alone. I really do need your help in claiming this money before the bank confiscates the account and declares unserviceable.

Yours faithfully,
Barr. Mark Anthony,
Attorney @ Law.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam