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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:
  • "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "your urgent reply" (they are rushing you so you don't have time to think properly)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• 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.
  • +2348057954863 (Nigeria, prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: "FRANK SMITH" <franksmith444@msn.com>
Reply-To: franksmith444@excite.com
Date: Tue, 04 Oct 2005 14:59:54 +0000
Subject: PROPOSAL FROM FRANK SMITH(CLASSIFIED)

FROM THE DESK OF
Mr.Frank.John Smith.
LAGOON INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC.
LAGOS,NIGERIA.
Tell:+234-805-7954-863

Attn: The President/CEO
Sir/Madam:

I am very sorry to interrupt your peace Since you are not expecting to
receive any mail from me And for using this medium (internet) which in
recent time has been drastically abused by spammers (scammers) However, I
was obliged to do so due to the importance and urgency of the message.

I got your contact from a computerize data following my effort searching via
directory of the US, Far-East & European Union for a trustworthy person to
assist me and I crave your indulgence, and want to reasure you that I mean
well and that it is only for our mutual good. So please do not be
embarrassed.

I am Mr.Frank.John Smih , Provincial Director Lagoon International Bank
PLC, Lagos Branch. I have urgent and very confidential business proposition
for you.On June 6, 1998, an foreign Oilconsultant/contractor with the
Nigerian MiningCorporation, made a numbered time (Fixed) Deposit for twelve
calendar months, valued at US$36,500,000.00 (Thirty - Six Million five
hundred thousand Dollars) in my branch. Upon maturity,I sent a routine
notification to his forwarding address but got no reply.

After a month, we sent a reminder and finally we discovered from his
contract employers, the Nigerian Mining Corporation that the foreigner died
from an automobile accident. On further investigation, I found out that he
died without making a WILL, and all attempts to trace his next of kin was
fruitless.I therefore made further investigation and discovered that the
foreigner did not declare any kin or relations in all his official
documents, including his Bank Deposit paperwork in my Bank. This sum of
US$36,500,000.00 is still sitting in my Bank and the interest is being
rolled over with the principal sum at the end of each year. No one will ever
come forward to claim it.According to Nigerian Law, at the expiration of 5
(five) years, the money will revert to the ownership of the Nigerian
Government if nobody applies to claim the fund.

Consequently, my proposal is that I will like you as a foreigner to stand in
as the next of kin so that the fruits of this old man's labor will not get
into the hands of some corrupt government officials.This is simple, I will
like you to provide immediately your full names and address so that the
Attorney will prepare the necessary documents and affidavits, which will put
you in place as the next of kin. We shall employ the service of two
Attorneys for drafting and notarization of the WILL and to obtain the
necessary documents and letter of probate/administration in your favor for
the transfer. A bank account in any part of the world, which you will
provide, will then facilitate the transfer of this money to you as the
beneficiary/next of kin.

The money will be paid into your account for us to share in the ratio of
75% for me and 20% for you,5% for expenses that might incur in the cost of
this transaction.There is no risk at all as all the paperwork for this
transaction will be done by the Attorney and my position as the Branch
Manager guarantees the successful execution of this transaction.

Upon your response, I shall then provide you with more details and relevant
documents that will help you understand the transaction. Please observe
utmost confidentiality, and rest assured that this transaction would be most
profitable for both of us because I shall require your assistance to invest
my share in your country.

Awaiting your urgent reply.

Thanks and regards.

Mr.Frank.John Smith.
LAGOON INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC.
LAGOS,NIGERIA.
Tell:+234-805-7954-863

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam