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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:
  • "huge deposit" (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 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)
  • "await your urgent response" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
  • "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "Martins Teddy" <t_martinsx1@mailbox.hu>
Date: Fri, 30 May 2008 05:52:12 -0700
Subject: ATTENTION TO YOU!!


MR. TEDDY MARTINS ACCOUNTANT
HEAD OFFICE:PLOT 16623
OYIN JOLAYEMI STREET
VICTORIA ISLAND LAGOS

Hello Dear,

I am Mr.Teddy Martins, The account officer to Late Nicolas Richardson , a
national of your country, who used to work with shell Development Oil
Company Here in Nigeria.

After shall be referred to as my client.On the 21st of April 2004, my
client, his wife and their three Children were involved in a car accident
along Sagbama express-road. All occupants of the vehicle unfortunately lost
their lives. Since then I have made several enquiries to locate any of my
clients extended relatives this has also proved unsuccessful.

I have contacted you to assist in repatriating most especially, the money
left behind by my client before they get confiscated or declared
unserviceable by the bank where this huge deposits valued at about USD10.5m
were lodged, as they have issued me a notice to provide the Next of kin, or
have the account confiscated. The request of a foreigner as next of kin in
this business is occasioned by the fact that my customer was a foreigner.

Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over 3 years
now I seek your consent to present you as the next of kin of the deceased so
that the proceeds of this account valued about USD10.5million dollars can be
paid to you, as my client's Next of Kin, so that you and me can share the
amount 60% for me and 40% for you. All legal documents to backup your claim,
as the deceased Next of Kin will be provided to you with out delay. All I
require is your
cooperation to enable us see this deal through. I guarantee that this will
be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you from any
breach of the law.

Note that it does not necessarily matter, whether you are biologically
related to the deceased or not. As you can bear with me, a next of kin to
one, may be a Parent, Sister, Brother, Close Relative, Associate, Friend or
even a Well-wisher. So, whether you are related to him or not is never a
barrier to your kinship in the transaction. I await your urgent response.

Best regards,

Mr. Teddy Martins,

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam