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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)
  • "affidavit " (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "lagos" (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.

Fraud email example:

From: "barristerjozz01" <barristerjozz01@terra.com.mx>
Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2006 20:42:07 -0600
Subject: GET BACK TO ME VERY URGENT


FROM THE DESK OF:BARRISTER JOZZ CHINAZA,
CLUSTAR CHAMBERS,
LEGAL PRACTITIONER AND PUBLIC NOTARY &
HIGH COURT REPRESENTATIVE,
15 ALLEN AVENUE,
IKEJA. LAGOS,

Hello, Good day.

PRIVATE AND CONFIDENCIAL.

I know this Letter might come as a surprise to you, especially since we have never met or discussed before. Basically, the message might sound strange, but it is in fact, very real.If only you care to know,The truth is that I should have notified you first through a more confidential means even if it is at least to respect your integrity,please accept my humble apologies if I had caught you unawares.

I am writing in respect of my late client an America, who died with his wife and two children in an auto crash in Kara district of my country on 31 October 2004 .He was the CEO of M.C.C Constructions Ltd.

He was my client and I have been directed by his bank to search for his next of kin to claim the fund belonging to the deceased which has been dormant without any claim either from his family or relatives.This is because the bank could not locate any of his relatives.

I want you to work with me in confidence to have this fund transferred to your account as the next of kin of my deceased client,indicate your interest, to me as his personal lawyer I can not have this fund transferred into my account for security reasons.

This chamber desire absolute confidentiality and professionalism in the handling of this information as all documents will be forwarded to you for this claim.

Provide me with the information below:
1. Your Full Name:
2. Your Current Mailing Address:
3. Your Marital Status:
4. Your Age:
5. Your Occupation:
6. Country: (Present Location):
7. Telephone and Fax numbers.

This is to effect the swift transfer of this fund
into your account in less than seven (7) working days.

I WILL OBTAIN AFFIDAVIT FROM COURT WHEN YOU RESPONSE TO ME.

Best regards,

Esq:Jozz Chinaza.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam