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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:
  • "a security company " (this will cost you money - that's what the scam is about)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• 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.
  • wwhhrr1@myway.com

Fraud email example:

From: harry williams <wwhhrr02@yahoo.com>
Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2006 23:14:36 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Dear Leck


Dear Leck,

To start with, I am Barrister .H. williams, a solicitor and personal attorney to one Mr Renee Dear Leck, Mr Renee, was a chemical engineer and a contractor to some oil refineries in West Africa. Unfortnately, he and his family of 3 met their untimely death in a ghastly motor accident in April 21, 1999 along Sagbama-Patani express way in Niger-Delta region.

My client Mr. (Renee), before his death, has a deposit of USD9.5M with a security company in Cotonou (Repubic of Benin) which was disguised as family treasure (like Gold Jewelry etc). My client was waiting for an opportunity to move the deposit abroad, but unfortunately his entire family was wiped out in the accident and left no clue to locate any of his relative.

After several attempts in search of his family member without success, I have decided to trace his last name via the internet, hence I contacted you with a view to co-operating with me to claim the money instead of the security company could declaring it as abondoned assets and regard it as part of their profit if nobody comes forward for it.
Coincidentally, you and [Renee] shares the same surname, therefore, it will be easier to use you as the next of kin to make the claim.

Already, I have some relevant documents to support the application for claim if you are comfortable with this deal, therefore the suggested sharing pattern goes thus: 50% for me, 40% for you and 10% reserve for any unforseen expenses.

The transaction need a high level co-operation and honesty in order to make it a great success. I am prepared to obtain all the necessary court papers to make the arrangement a legitimate busness which would protect us from any breach of law and once this is done, it becomes risk free and indeed, a clean deal as well.

Please, get in touch with me immediately through this email address,
(wwhhrr1@myway.com )Awaiting your response soonest.

My regards,
Harry Williams

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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam