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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:
  • "cheques " (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)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• 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.
  • thomasevans44@yahoo.co.uk

Fraud email example:

From: "Thomas Evans" <thomasevans44@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: thomasevans44@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Tue, 11 Oct 2005 03:31:17 +0000
Subject: assistance

My name is Engr THOMAS EVANS, Director of Projects Mobil producing unlimited. I
decided to forward to you this business proposal in anticipation that you may be in
position to assist / handle this business with us.
We want a reliable person, who could assist us in receiving funds from a company we
assisted in their bid for a contract in our firm promised us. The company has
therefore requested for information from us of who is to
receive the promised amount on our behalf and because we are not
allowed by company rules and regulation as in any other company to receive
gratification for service rendered officially or operate or own foreign accounts,
hence the need for your assistance.
On our part, all modalities had been worked out in ensuring a smooth transaction.
All I want from you is your mailing address and the name that you want the cheques
to be issued on or bank account information where the money can be wired. As soon as
you indicate your Interest, further instructions will be passed on to you on the
procedure that we will follow in accomplishing this deal.
On accomplishment of this deal you will be entitled to 20% of the total sum. If this
proposal is accepted by you, kindly reach me thomasevans44@yahoo.co.uk immediately furnishing me with your confidential telephone numbers.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
 
Best regards
thomas evans.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam