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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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• 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)
  • ",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)
  • "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
  • "utmost confidentiality" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
  • "very confidential" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
  • "observe utmost confidentiality" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
  • "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• 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.
  • josephsossouj@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: Joseph Sossou <sossoujoseph03@msn.com>
Reply-To: <josephsossouj@gmail.com>
Date: Sun, 18 Jan 2009 03:11:32 +0000
Subject: YOUR MAIL



FROM: Mr.Joseph Sossou.

Audit and Accounting Office

Bond Bank-Benin: Avenue

Jean-Paul II, 08 BP 0879-Cotonou

email:(josephsossouj@gmail.com)



My Dear,



I am Mr.Joseph Sossou Audit Manager Bond Bank-Benin. in the capital
city of Cotonou Benin republic, and assistance, this is a very
confidential proposition for you. On April 21st 1999, A Swedish Oil
consultant/contractor with the Benenoise Solid Minerals
Corporation,Mr.Soren Anderson made a numbered time (Fixed) Deposit for
twelve calendar months, valued at US$8,000,000.00 (Eight Million
Dollars only) in my branch.



Upon maturity on November 20th 2003 as his Credit Officer, I sent a
routine notification to his forwarding address but got no reply. After
a month, we sent a reminder and finally i discovered from his contract
employers, the Benenoise Solid Minerals Corporation that Mr.Soren
Anderson died on auto accident with his entire family.



Further investigations and all attempts to trace his next of kin was
fruitless. Again, I made further investigation and discovered that
Mr.Soren Anderson did not declare any kin or relations in all his
official documents, including his Bank Deposit paperwork in my Bank.



This sum of US$8,000,000.00 is still sitting in my Bank No one will
ever come forward to claim it. According to the International Banking
ethics,codes and Laws, at the expiration of 7(Two) years, the money
will revert to the ownership of the Benin Government if nobody applies
to claim the fund.



Consequently, my proposal is that I will like you as a foreigner to
stand in as the next of kin to Mr.Soren. This is simple, immediately
with your full names and address so that we will prepare the necessary
documents and affidavits that will put you in place as the next of kin.



The money will be paid into your account for us to share in the ratio
of 70% for me and some of my colleagues who are aware of this
transaction and 25% for you and 5% for Expenses Incurred in the course
of the transaction There is no risk at all as all the paperwork for
this transaction will be done by my colleagues and with my position as
the Foreign Remittance Director guarantees the successful execution of
this transaction.



Upon your response, I shall then provide you with more details and
relevant documents that will help you understand the transaction.
Please send me your confidential telephone and fax numbers for easy
communication. You should observe utmost confidentiality, and be rest
assured that this transaction would be most profitable for both of us
because I shall require your assistance to invest my share in your
country.



Awaiting your urgent reply.

Remain Bless.

Mr.Joseph Sossou

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam