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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)
  • "million us 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)
  • "keep this confidential" (they don't want anyone to point out to you that this is a scam)
• 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.
  • dr_robben01@yahoo.ie

Fraud email example:

From: "Robben Mubasa" <robben_mubasa02@msn.com>
Date: Wed, 18 Jan 2006 20:16:53 +0000
Subject: BUSINESS PROPOSAL!!!

From the Desk of: DR ROBBEN MUBASA,
PH.D, AND MNI.
Director of Audit & Projects,
DME, South Africa.

MEMO

DATE:18/01/2006




BUSINESS PROPOSAL



Dear Partner,

I am Robben Mubasa Director of Audit & projects implementation Department of
Minerals & Energy (DME) South Africa.I apologized using this medium for a
business of this magnitude, but this is due to confidentiality and direct
access repose on this medium and the need is very urgent. I have decided to
seek a confidential co-operation with you, to assist us with a solution to
transfer money for the benefit of all parties and hope you will keep this
confidential.

Within the Department of Minerals & Energy where I work as a director and
with the co-operation of two other top officials, we have in our possession
as overdue payment, 14.5million US dollars which we want to transfer abroad
with the assistance and co-operation of a company or individual to receive
the money on our behalf. We are seeking your assistance to receive these
funds on our behalf.

The money is secured in an escrow account of the government specifically set
aside for the settlement of outstanding payments to foreign contractors. For
this reason, we want to front you or your company as the beneficiary of the
funds (14.5 million US dollars), for this to be done; we will incorporate a
company for you and also, register your company as a contractor with the
department of minerals and energy (DME). We will also by virtue of our
official position secure the necessary backup documentations that will
facilitate the release and transfer of the money into your nominated
account. All these will give you or your company the nessary legal
authority. We have propose to compensate you with 25%(3.625million) for your
assistance rendered, 10%(1.450million) has been set aside for expenses that
will be incurred during this transaction and the remaining 65%(9.425million)
will be for me and my colleagues.

(1) As civil servants, the South Africa Civil Service code of conduct does
not permit us to own foreign account, hence your importance in the whole
transaction.
(2) Also, as civil servants we will not be able to handle the transaction
alone successfully without assistance from a reliable foreign partner like
you.

Your area of trade or specialization is not a hindrance to the successful
execution of this transaction. I have reposed my confidence in you and hope
that you will not disappoint me. Mail me via: dr_robben01@yahoo.ie

I wait in anticipation for your call and fullest co-operation.



R. Mubasa.

Best Regards.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam