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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "hundred thousand 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)
  • "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
  • "certified bank draft" (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. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +22993470235 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
• 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.
  • expresscouriercompanyltd@yahoo.fr

Fraud email example:

From: "united nations" <unofficefilexx05@ig.com.br>
Date: Fri, 6 Jun 2008 13:41:02 +0200
Subject: YOUR INHERITANCE PAYMENT.


Attn: Beneficiary,



After a brief meeting with the head Board of Directors of Apex Bank
International PLC Benin, and the Ministers of Finance including the Board of
Directors of United Nations Representative here in Benin republic by his
Majesty the Minister of Finance to release all long terms debt owned in
Africa to Foreigners whom has been one way or the other, denied of their
inheritance or contract payment.


The records of outstanding Inheritance/Contract due for payment with the
Federal Government of Benin,your name was discovered on the list of the
outstanding payment who have not yet received their payments. I wish to
inform you that your payment has been processed and issued in a Certified
Bank Draft value $4.6Millon by Apex Bank International PLC, and the Draft
parcel has been registered with Global Express Courier Company for immediate
delivery to you.


Also note that from the records in my file your outstanding Inheritance
payment is $4.6M(Four Million Six Hundred Thousand United States Dollars).


Therefore contact Global Courier Company with your direct contact phone
number and address where you want the Draft to be deliver to you, to avoid
wrong delivery.


Contact the Courier Company on their contact info:
E-mail: expresscouriercompanyltd@yahoo.fr
Phone Number : 00229 93 470 235.
Contact person: Rose Mary Onyeomma
Registration Reference No; GLEPRC/xxx/100.
Parcel Code Number: KP/229B.



The Draft is an International Certified Bank Draft Cashable at any Bank of
your choice,contact the Courier Company soonest for collection and also
collect your tracking number for you to track the parcel and know when it
will arrive to your place.



Remember that the United Nations/Federal Government of Benin will not be
interested in your story of not receiving your Inheritance payment if you
fail to abide to this Instruction.


Yours Faithful


Mrs. Belinda Ukoh
Public Relation Officer
UNITED NATIONS LIAISON OFFICE BENIN REPUBLIC.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam