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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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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 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)
  • "is 100% risk free" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
• This email message is a next of kin 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.
  • +27787806637 (South Africa, prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: greg.themba@sify.com
Date: Wed, 29 Oct 2008 05:46:02 +0200
Subject: Highly Important


PRIVATE AND CONFIDENTIAL



I have the honor to introduce this business to you in view that you will
accept to be my partner. Obviously you might be surprised to read this
letter but consider it as a request from a stranger in need of a foreign
partner and I got your contact via the net.


I am Mr. Greg Themba, an Auditor contracted by ABSA bank of South Africa
(ABSA). An account was opened in this bank in 1995 by one Mr. T.J Martins a
foreign miner with a balance of twenty six million dollars ($26m). This
account has been dormant since 15th of September 1997, which prompted
investigation that lasted for six months. It was however discovered that Mr.
T.J Martins died in a ghastly motor accident on the 15th of Nov, 1997.
Unfortunately he did not leave any clue or lead that could help the bank
locate any of his relative.



The bank is ready to welcome anyone who has the correct information to lay
claims to the money. I have all the information in my possession and will
make them available to you at the appropriate time if we agree to move
forward. All that is needed from you firstly is to indicate interest in the
transaction and the rest of the process will follow. Please note that as an
extra security measure we have plans in place to destroy all documents and
computer information pertained to this transaction once business is
concluded and transfer affected.



We have unanimously agreed to give you 25% of the above amount, while we
shall retain 75%. Any money spent during this process will be deducted
before sharing. I want to assure you that this transaction is 100% risk
free. My only worry is the safety of the money once it gets into your
account. I have a senior person in the bank as an insider, though he chose
to remain anonymous but will be instrumental in endorsing all approvals. We
expect to conclude the business in less than 14 days.



I look forward to receiving your assistance letter in order to give you more
details on the process of the transaction.



Regards,



Greg Themba.

+27 78 7806637

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam