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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
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• 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 british pounds" (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)
  • "here in united kingdom" (this email uses bad English)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: <mrdavidkoolman@aol.com>
Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2008 09:18:28 +0000
Subject: Business Proposal



Attention:
Please, I am Mr.David Koolman, Finance Director of a Prime Bank here in United Kingdom. I am contacting you for a possible business transfer worth £760,000.000.00-[Seven Hundred & Sixty Million British Pounds Sterling} .It will be in my interest to finish this transaction with you hoping that you will not cheat or blackmail me at the conclusion of this goal because i have planned it for long.If you can be a collaborator to this transaction, please indicate your positiveinterest immediately or us to proceed.
This money was secretly deposited and placed for an Investment before the late holder died and none of his families or relatives knows about this money, I came across this great fortune during an annual pre-audition. If you can be trusted and capable to handle this business with me in full confidence & trust, please send me the following information for documentation preparation and also give me your word of confidence that we will work as one team and I will get in return what belongs to me after successful transfer to your account. (1). Full names: (2). Private phone numbers: (3). Current residential address: (4). Occupation: (5). Age and Sex:
Remember this is absolutely confidential because my Bank does not know about it. Your contact phone numbers and name will be necessary for this effect. Thank you for your time and attention.
Warmest regards,Mr.David Koolman.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam