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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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "a security company " (this will cost you money - that's what the scam is about)
  • "trunk box" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "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)
  • "cotonou" (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: "Mr\. Mike Asieke" <mikeasieke2000@terra.com.mx>
Date: Mon, 25 Sep 2006 04:44:07 -0600
Subject: Please I need Your Assistance........... Mike.


Dear Friend,

I am Mike Asieke from Sierra Leon. I am 21 years old and presently residing in Cotonou BENIN REPUBLIC because of the political crisis in my Country. I got your contact in strict confidence through Senegal Chamber of Commerce.

I would Honestly want to seek for an immediate assistance from you, I have Eight Million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars belonging to my late Father Jerry Wani Asieke who was held bondage by the Rebels during the crisis and was letter killed.

I ran to Cotonou, Benin Republic to sourge for refugee when I Discovered danger to my life and that of my only sister Lynda untill the death of my beloved Father . He packed the above mentioned Amount in a METAL TRUNK BOX and deposdited it with a SECURITY COMPANY in EUROPE for safe keeping . I have every Documents regard to the Deposit of this above mentioned funds . I have contacted the SECURITY COMPANY and confirmed the safety of the Money / Inheritance,

As it is, I have the intention of investing the money oversees and however needed a foreigner who is capable of giving adequate assistance to me by the way of clearing the money from the SECURITY COMPANY and thereafter forwarding it to your Oversea Account for proper investments.

I have a nice percentage for you for assisting me which we shall discuss upon your interest in helping me. If Necessary, Please do feel free to ask me questions on this as I wait for your reply soonest.

Yours Sincerely,
Mike J. Asieke .

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam