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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.

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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)
  • ",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)
  • "with absolute secrecy" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
• 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: <jweguelin@live.com>
Date: Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:34:20 +0000
Subject: THANKS





165 Queen Victoria Street,
London EC4V 4DD,
United Kingdom


Greetings,


How are you doing today,business and family? I Hope all is fine.


My name is Mr John Weguelin, Managing Director here in our bank.I have only written to seek your indulgence and assistance.


I wish to make a transfer involving a huge amount of £150,000,000.00 (ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY MILLION BRITISH POUNDS STERLING).


I am proposing to make this transfer to a designated bank account of your choice.But please treat with absolute secrecy and personal.


Thus, for your indulgence and support, I propose an offer of 40% of the total amount to be yours after the transfer has been concluded.


Kindly reply me stating your interest, and I shall furnish you with the details and necessary procedure with which to make the transfer.


I am anxiously awaiting your positive response,please include your full name and private telephone number for easy communication.


Kind Regards


Mr John Weguelin
Managing Director EIIB UK

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam