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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:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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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:
  • "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• 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.
  • +22993017196 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr.Jeffery Jean" <jeffjean2051@msn.com>
Reply-To: <fed.exp.cou.com@in.com>
Date: Sat, 21 Mar 2009 09:16:04 +0000
Subject: CONTACT FEDEX EXPRESS COURIER COMPANY ???



Beloved friend,


How are you today? I hope all is well .Be informed that due to your delay , the CASHIER'S CHEQUE worth of (US$1.5 Million ) was converted into ATM-Card which you can withdraw in any ATM Cash Point Machine Worldwide has been programmed by the issuing bank .


Note that the issuing bank has packaged the ATM CARD with the secret code and registered it with FEDEX EXPRESS COMPANY also you will be drawing sum of (US$4,000.00) everyday.Therefore, quickly contact FEDEX COMPANY with bellow information .


Director:Dr.Chinedu Chig
Email addres:( fed.exp.cou.com@in.com )
Tele phone: +229-930 171 96


But the only money you have to send to FEDEX COMPANY is only (US$125.00) according to the director of the issuing bank for the smooth delivery of your package to your door step also refresh your full NAME,ADDRESS,TELE PHONE NUMBER AND DRIVER'S LIC OR PASSPORT to them to avoid wrong delivery.


Yours faithfully
Mr.Jeffery Jean.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam