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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:
  • "huge sum of money" (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)
  • "hundred thousand united states 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)
  • "your urgent reply" (they are rushing you so you don't have time to think properly)
  • "is 100% risk free" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "Paul Williams" <samuel_kojo@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: barrister_paul4@myway.com
Date: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 14:31:17 +0000
Subject: From: Dr.Paul Williams

Dear,

I am Dr.Paul Williams, one of the Directors in charge of Auditing and
Accounting section Afrinca Development Bank (A.D.B) and also Chairman of
Investigating and Auditing Department of this Bank. With due respect and
regard, I have decided to contact you on a Business Transaction that will be
very beneficial to both of us and our families in future.
During our Investigation and Auditing in this Bank, my department came
across a very huge sum of money belonging to one Deceased Mr.Morris Thompson
61 years,of Fairbanks, Alaska America who
died on January 31st 2000 with Alaska Airlines Flight 261.

You can as well confirm it by yourself through under stated Website of the
incident
ttp://www.cnn.com/2000/US/02/01/alaska.airlines.list/ and if you want to
know more about the man himself, you can check
ttp://www.nativefederation.org/history/people/mThompson.html
As the fund has been dormant in his account with this Bank without any
claim of the fund in our custody either from his family or relation because
he did not indicate any next of kin to this account incase of death such as
these.

Although personally, I keep this information secret within myself and
partners to enable the whole plans and idea be profitable and successful
during the time of execution.The said amount is U.S $7.5m ( Seven Million,
Five hundred thousand United States Dollars) Meanwhile as a Senior Staff in
this bank, and the Director of Auditing and Accounting, I have in my
possession all the necessary documents to perfect this deal by making you
the bonafide next of kin/Partner whom this money will be transferred into
your a ccount.

I need your assistance and co-operation to get this deal done. Because as a
foreigner, you stand a better position to be presented through documentation
as the next of kin/Partner since the deceased is also a foreigner,this is
the reason why I could not do this deal alone as a
Nigeria and a staff of the bank as well. I will not fail to inform you that
this transaction is 100% risk free.
On smooth Conclusion of this transaction, you will be entitled to 25% of the
total sum as
gratification,while 5% will be set aside to take care of expenses that may
arise during the
time of transfer and also telephone bills, while 70% will be for me and my
partners.

Please, you have been advised to keep this Secret" as we are still in
service and intend to retire from service after we conclude this deal with
you. And I assure you that this
transaction will not last more than 15 working days and you confirm the
money in your account. I will be monitoring the whole situation here in this
bank until you confirm the money in your account.
And ask us to come down to your country for subsequent sharing of the fund
according to percentages previously indicated and further investment,either
in your country or any country you advice us to invest in.

All other necessary vital information will be sent to you when I hear from
you. I suggest you get back to me as soon as possible stating your wish in
this deal. I am expecting your urgent reply as soon as you receive this
message. God bless you And your family. Simple just provide your full Names,
Your complete Address And also your direct telephone, fax and cellphone
numbers for easy and constant communications thanks in advance for your
understanding and co-operation. To begin the processing you are to contact
me right now Warm regards to you and your family Remain blessed in the name
of the Lord.

Yours in Christ,
Dr.Paul Williams

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam