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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:
  • "hundred thousand united state 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)
  • "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
  • "your humble assistance" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "abidjan" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a orphan scam.

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Date: Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:08:46 +0000 (GMT)
Subject: From David Onah



>From David Onah.
Abidjan,Republic of Cote d'ivoire.


 
Attention,

I have a proposal for you-this however is not mandatory nor will I in any manner compel you to honour against your will.

I am David Onah, 26years old and the only son of my
late parents Mr.and Mrs.Onah. My father was a highly reputable busnness magnet-(a cocoa merchant)who operated in the capital of Ivory coast during his days.

It is sad to say that he passed away mysteriously in
France during one of his business trips abroad on the 12th.Febuary 2005.

Though his sudden death was linked or rather suspected to have been masterminded by an uncle of his who travelled with him at that time.

But God knows the truth! My mother died when I was just 6 years old,and since then my father took me so special.
Before his death on Febuary 12 2005 he called me
secretly to accompanied him to the hospital and told me
that he has the sum of Six million,Five hundred thousand United State Dollars.(USD$6.5,000) left in fixed deposit account in one of the leading banks in Africa.

He further told me that he deposited the money in my name,and finally issued a written instruction to his lawyer whom he said is in possession of all the necessary but legal documents to this fund and the bank.

Now I want an account overseas where I can transfer this funds.

This is because I have suffered a lot of set backs as a result of incessant political crisis here in Ivory coast.The death of my father actually brought sorrow to my life. I am in a sincere desire of your humble assistance in this regards.Your suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded.

Please,Consider this and get back to me as soon as
possible.

Thank you so much.
My sincere regards.
David Onah.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam