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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
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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:
  • "huge sum of money" (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)
  • "transferred into your bank account" (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)
  • "is 100% risk free" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "blessing mpoyo" <ed_mpoyo122@hotmail.com>
Date: Tue, 02 Jan 2007 14:05:49 +0200
Subject: Mrs. Blessing Mpoyo,

Dear Madras House,
Greetings and thanks for honoring my proposal. It has not been easy for me
to get somebody who is willing to assist me. Your mail gave me a sign of
relief and courage. It is not by mistake that I got your e-mail address but
it is by virtue of sheer luck or perhaps destiny that I sent the proposal to
you. It took me time and after a much deliberating that I decided to send
the proposal to you. This transaction is 100% risk free but where the major
problem lies is whether my money will be safe when transferred into your
bank account. I will need a complete assurance that my money will be safe in
your hands. I will appreciate if you will be very open to me especially now
that we are
about to engage in a transaction that involves a huge sum of money.

This transaction is simply based on a mutual trust and understanding. One is
not required to be an expert in banking or investment in order to embark
this kind of transaction. What matters is
honesty, trustworthy, and reliable.The transaction will only be done through
bank-to-bank transfer. There are procedure to be followed before the money
is finally transferred into your bank account.

This transaction has nothing to do with any illegal proceedings. Every
modality has been taken care of to ensure a successful transaction. I need
to get acquaintance with you before any transfer is made. I will need the
following details in order to get acquitted with you.
1.Your full name and address
2.Your personal/company’s profile.
3.Your age and marital status.
4.Your private telephone number and fax number.
5.Your experience in the field of investment.
I will inform you on the procedure upon the receipt of
the above details.
Thanks and I remain.
Yours faithfully,
Mrs. Blessing Mpoyo,

_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam