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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

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  (+225 +229 +234 +27 +31 +32 +34 +44 other)
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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:
  • "million 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)
  • "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 mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +22997878845 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: barrister danny <barristerhillsondanny05@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 3 Jul 2006 00:42:53 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: NEEDED REPLY


FROM: Barrister Hillson Danny Kia,
Government Recognized Attorney &
Consultants ,
Cotonou, Benin Republic.
Tel: +229 97 878845

Email: barristerhillsondanny05yahoo.com

Dear Sir, Amarjit Singh

My Name is Hillson Danny Kia from Benin Republic , I am the attorney to Dr.Michael Hawkins,a United States Of America Citizen and a great industrialist in Benin Republic, who deposited the sum of $8.5 Million United States dollars in a Bank here in Benin Republic ( Bank Of Africa Benin ). Unfortunately, he lost his life in a plane crash here which Happened on December 26 2003 here in Benin International airport , including his wife and two children, all died in the crash . You can read more of this news about the crash on visiting the web site.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/africa/12/26/benin.crash/index.html

I am seeking your co-operation to claim this fund as I am his direct attorney & as well the Bank of Africa attorney , so that the bank will release the funds to your account. There is practically no risk involved, the transaction will be executed under due arrangements that will protect us from any breach of law.

As the attorney that arranged the deposit for Late Dr Michael Hawkins, I have always maintained a good relationship with the bank and can work out the change of ownership of this fund to your name easily , so that we can claim it and mutually share the funds on a ratio basis. If you are interested please indicate by immediate reply so that I will not look for another person, also send to me your full name and address, private phone and fax numbers so that we can proceed immediately. It will Never take us much time to actualize this depending on your acceptability .

I have a good relationship with the bank generally to transfer the fund to your account, as soon as the fund is transferred to country I will come down immediately . I am prepared to give you 40 % of the whole sum when received in your bank account . Bear in mind,all relating to this transaction will be legally followed and I will use my influence to back up the transaction till we sucessfully acheive the transfer. Call me immediately you receive this mail: via phone number +229 97 878845. This message is Extremely Genuine please.

Awaiting your urgent response.

Sincerely,
Barrister Hillson Danny Kia


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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam