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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:

• 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.

Fraud email example:

From: Samark Cojo <s_cojo042@msn.com>
Reply-To: <samarkcojo@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 19 May 2009 07:54:25 +0000
Subject: Good Day





My Dear,

I am Mr. Samark Cojo Audit Manager in my bank. 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.

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 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 me with my position as the Audit Manager 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. Samark Cojo

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam