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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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "contact me immediately" (they are rushing you so you don't have time to think properly)
• 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.
  • makume_davinson@hotmail.com

Fraud email example:

From: davinson_makume@hotmail.com
Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 17:01:25 +0200
Subject: Confidential assistance

>From the desk of
Mr. Davinson Makume
Amalgamated bank of Southern Africa (ABSA)
Reply to Alternative email:makume_davinson@hotmail.com



Dear Friend,

First, I must solicit your strictest confidence in this transaction, this is by virtue of it's nature as being utterly confidential and top secret as we got your email address from the web email directory and decided to introduce this transaction to you. We are member of staff of a Bank here in the South Africa. I am writing following an opportunity in my office that will be of immense benefit to both of us.

I am seeking your assistance to enable me collect and transfer the sum of US$20,500,000.00 into your private company account for mutual benefits. This money came about as a result of a contract for the supply of five thousand, three hundred and sixty-seven computer unit, installation and turn-around maintenance executed on behalf of my Bank, in the year 2004.This contract was officially assigned to be awarded and executed by two foreign contractors at the tune of US$100,500,000.00, but in the course of my negotiation, we bargained with only one foreign contractor, a Italian firm which now executed the contract at the cost of US$80.000.000.00.Thus leaving the remaining US$20.5M floating in the escrow account at the Amalgamated bank of South Africa (ABSA) ready for payment.

My colleagues in the panel, has mandated me to look for an overseas as a matter of trust to whom we could transfer the sum of US$20.5M, legally subcontracting the entitlement to your company. This is bearing in mind that our civil service code of conduct forbids us from owning foreign company or running foreign account while in banking service hence the need for an overseas partner to the benefits of we the three members of the contract award panel unknown to the contractor and any other person in my Bank.

This contract has been satisfactorily executed and inspected as the Italian firm is presently securing his payment from my Bank. It is however to this effect that I seek your maximum assistance and approval to present your company name alongside with the Italian contractor as the second foreign contractor to enable me transfer the difference (US$20.5M) into your account for further investment depending on your advice, on actualization of the transaction, the funds will be shared thus:

(1). 20% of the money goes to you for acting as the beneficiary of the funds.

(2). 10% has been set aside as an abstract projection for reimbursement to both parties for any incidental expenses incurred in the course of this transaction.

(3). 70% to us (three members of the Contract Award Panel.) All logistics are in place and all modalities worked out for the smooth actualization of the transaction within fourteen working days of commencement after receipt of the following information by email:
Your company‘s Name, Address, Phone/Fax number. Also, Please acknowledge the receipt of this letter using the above email address. The above information will enable me make the application and lodge claims to the concerned bank in favor of your company or name and it is pertinent to state here that this deal is entirely based on trust. If you are able to handle, contact me immediately. Also furnish me with your phone numbers, as I will be sending you immediately I receive your positive response some classified documents.

Thanks in anticipation for your positive response.

Yours faithfully.

Davinson Makume

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam