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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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "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)
  • "million united states 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)
  • "you will be entitled to 30%" (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)
  • "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.
  • drmados@yahoo.fr (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: marthins dossou <marthinsdossou05@hotmail.fr>
Reply-To: <drmados@yahoo.fr>
Date: Sat, 9 Jun 2007 01:38:25 +0200
Subject: Strictly/Urgent



FROM THE DESK OF DR MARTHINS DOSSOUCONTINENTAL BANK(CB)PRIVATE TEL:+229 93041006. COTONOU,REPUBLIC OF BENIN.WEST AFRICA

Dear Friend ,

I am Dr Marthins Dossou , I work with the CONTINENTAL BANK(CB) in Cotonou Benin republic. It is my wish to solicite your assistance in a business transaction that will be of benefit to you andI.During our investigation and auditing in the bank, my department came across a very huge sum of money belonging to my deceased customer in our bank Dr Jim Johnson , a citizen of America who died on therecent plane crash in Cotonou Benin republic on the 26th of Dec. 003.Although personally, I kept this information secret within myself to enable the whole plans and idea be profitable and successful during the time ofexecution.The said amount was USD$8m(Eight million united states dollars).As it may intrest you to know, I got your contact through my country chamber of commerce and international relations here in Cotonou Benin Rep.I believe you will be able and capable to champion a business of such magnitude without any problem. Meanwhile all the whole arrangement to put claim over this fund as the bonafide next of kin to the deceased, get the required approval and transfer this money to your account if you indicate your intrest has beenmade by me.
In fact I could have done this deal alone but because of my position in this country as a banker,we are not allowed to operate a foreign account and would eventually raise an eye brow on my side during the time of transfer because I work in this bank.This is the actual reason why it will require a second party or fellow who will forward claims as the next of kinto the bank and alsopresent a foreign account where he will need the money to be re-transfered into on his request as it may be, after due verification and clarification by bank officails.I will not fail to inform you that this transaction is 100% risk free. On smooth conclusion of this transaction, you will be entitled to 30% of the total sum as gratification, while 10% will be set aside to take care of expenses that may arise during the time of transfer, while the remaining 60% will be for me and my family.
Please,you have been advised to keep business as asecret between you and i for i am still in service andintend to retire from service after i conclude this deal with you. As soon as you confirm to me your willingness to assit me in this bussiness i will send to you the deceased bank account informations and Application which you will apply to the bank for inward transfer of this fund to your account.
I will be monitoringthe whole situation here in the bank until you confirm the money in your account and ask me to come down to your country for subsequent sharing of the fund according to percentages previously indicated and further investment,either in your country or any other country you may advice us toinvest in.
All other necessary information will be sent to you when I hear from you.I suggest you get back to me assoon as possible stating your wish in this deal.Alternative e-mail Address: drmados@yahoo.fr )
Best Regards,Dr Marthins Dossou

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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam