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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:
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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:
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.
• 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.
  • gg_douglas@excite.com

Fraud email example:

From: "Barrister Michael Smith" <bar_ms2001@smith-chambers.org>
Reply-To: gg_douglas@excite.com
Date: Fri, 07 Oct 2005 22:17:08 +0000
Subject: REGARD

Dear Friend,

Re:Investment Capital

Your contact has been gotten from after a search for a
person whom we can jointly invest Trust in and also
solicit a Honourable partnership with.

I represent a client and my client has interest to do
business relative to investments in your country in
areas related to agriculture or any business of your
choice, to initiate a proper and structured
relationship:

Please let me know what your response will be to an
offer to receive investment funds in cash if:

1. The said fund amounts to Eight Million, Five
hundred Thousand Dollars (US).

2. The said fund is in cash and will be transferred to
you in same state.

3.The fund is intended to be invested through your
agency in the purchase of facilities and assets, for
the said purposes within your country.

4. This transaction will result in you being paid a
commission of 10% off the investment capital.

5.The fund owners desire absolute confidentiality and
professionalism in the handling of this matter.

Endeavour to send your full name telephone/Fax line to
my private email Box for easy
communication:gg_douglas@excite.com

Please respond urgently.

Sincerely.
Barrister Micheal Smith

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam