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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
• "Is that email a scam?" - Check it online here!
  
• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
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• Company names mentioned in 419 spam:
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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)
  • "diplomatic courier" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
  • "liberia" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: <kentaylor989@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: mr_kentaylor1@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Thu, 25 May 2006 09:02:10 -0700
Subject: VERY IMPORTANT!!!

VERY IMPORTANT!!!


Please do not be surprised for I need your help immediately, I am Ken Taylor, son of the Former President of Liberia. As you may be aware that we were granted asylum in Nigeria by the President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (GCFR), after which my father was arrested on March 29, 2006 and taken to Sierra Leone for war-crime charges.


I have what I will call my family last hope of $10m cash, raw gold worth $5m and raw diamond worth $7m Million Dollars to entrust to any foreign trusted person who will help me to invest this fund into any good business, as Ican no longer have any other means of livelihood. Your assistance to receive this BOX that is presently with a security company having Diplomatic Courier entry will be appreciated.


Since my father has been apprehended and all I have left is these assets, I deem it necessary to securing these assets in a safe hand and further guidance as regards investment. After receipt of these properties by you, 30% of the total assets will go to you.


This fund is in a box deposited with a security company (the identity and location of the security company is not disclosed for security reasons). The company is not aware of what is inside the box as I told them that the box belongs to my friend and that I will inform my friend to apply for the collection of the box.


Please immediately I hear from you, the modality of the transfer of the properties will be disclosed and properly discussed.


Waiting for your response.


Yours sincerely,
KEN TAYLOR

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam