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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
  (+225 +229 +234 +27 +31 +32 +34 +44 other)
• Company names mentioned in 419 spam:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
• Support our efforts to stop scams!
  
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• What can you do when you receive 419 spam
  
  
• Spam archive, Daily index
  

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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• 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.
  • +2348063701380 (Nigeria, prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: william ibru <willyibru16@yahoo.dk>
Date: Mon, 2 Oct 2006 14:17:32 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: YOUR URGENT REPLY ...........TODAY........Edlin Friedst


Atten: Edlin Friedst
Tel :+49-172-969-4832
Fax :+49-174-937-1267

Dear Edlin ,

Thank for your mail received. I am happy to inform you that I have finalized all arrangement with the Trans International Bank Plc for the release of the fund to you as the next of kin to my late client Mr. Patrick A.

The bank - TRANS INTERNATIONAL BANK PLC will be contacting you for the arrangement of the transfer and I would appreciate you keep me informed of all communication between you and them until the money is transferred to your account.

Please, I will appreciate if you could make a hotel reservation for me as I plan to arrive in your country soonest and also I want you to give me the nearest airport to your city to enable me know how to route my ticket.

I thank you so much for your willingness to execute this transaction with me and I assure you that there is no risk involved since the Trans International Bank Plc have accepted and approved the inheritance claim in your favour.

I have spent all my life saving to actualize this transaction and I know you will not dissappoint me as this transaction requires honesty on your side since the money will be paid to your account before my arrival.

I tried calling you but your number was not connnecting ,but I will want you to try and reach me in my direct line Tel:234-806-370-1380

Please, confirm receipt of this mail.

With best regards,
William

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam