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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) 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:
  • "is 100% risk free" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• 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.
  • andrewsmith_2@nyc.com

Fraud email example:

From: "andrew smith" <a_smith212@msn.com>
Date: Sun, 09 Oct 2005 17:50:50 +0000
Subject: ciao

My greetings,
I am Mr. Andrew smith a personal treasurer to Bernie Ebbers the Former
WorldCom
boss Bernard Ebbers .I have a profiling amount in an excess of US$23.5M,
which I
seek your Partnership in accommodating for me.
INTRODUCTION OF MY SELF As a personal consultant to
Him, authority was handed over to me in transfer of money to an UK private
Bank For one of his unfinished project.

Already the funds have left the shore of America to the UK private
Bank where the final crediting is expected to be carried out. While I
Was on the process, My Boss got sentenced to 25 years in jail for his part
in the
scandal that brought down the firm.

You can catch more of the story on this website:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4680221.stm

We are not allowed to operate any foreign account because of the present
situation
and that would eventually raise an eye brow on our side during the
Time of transfer, this is the actual reason why I required a second party or
fellow
who will assist us forward claims as the beneficiary of the Above
Quoted Sum and also provide either an existing bank account
Or to set up a new Bank a/c immediately to receive this fund, even an
Empty a/c can also serve for this purpose.
I will re-profile the funds with your name, which will enable The European
bank
Transfer the sum to you.

However, on smooth conclusion of this transaction, you will be entitled to
25% as gratification for your assistance to us, while 5% will be set aside
To take care of expenses on both sides that may arise during the time of
Transfer and also for telephone bills, and the remaining 70% will be for
me and my partners. What I want from you is for you to act as the
beneficiary to
this sum. I have in my possession, all the necessary Documents to
Successfully accomplish the operation. Bear in mind that this proposal is
100% risk free and has to be concluded as soon as possible.

Further Information will be given to you as soon as I receive your
Positive response. I suggest you get back to me as soon as possible stating
Your wish.

Please contact me on this email address:
andrewsmith_2@nyc.com

Best Regards,

Andrew smith.


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam