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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:
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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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• 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)
  • "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• 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.
  • +2348060085451 (Nigeria, prepaid mobile phone)
• This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
  • festusodimegwu_ng@myway.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: Festus Boniface Oha Odimegwu <festusodimegwu_ng@myway.com> (may be fake)
Date: Fri, 15 Dec 2006 12:51:24 -0600
Subject: PLS CONSIDER ME AND GET BACK TO ME



UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC.
160/162 BROAD STREET
P.M.B. 12704, VICTORIA-ISLAND
LAGOS-NIGERIA
DIRECT PHONE: 234-80-60085451.
PERSONAL E-MAIL: festusodimegwu_ng@myway.com


GREETINGS,

It is with trust and confidence that I make this urgent proposal to you in view of the fact that you are a matured and reasonable person.I am the Western District Manager, UNION BANK OF NIGERIA PLC.

However, there is an account opened in this bank in 1998 and since then, no body has operated this account again. And after careful investigation, I discovered that the owner of this account was the president of GUNN FINANCE PTY LTD, a foreignerwho died in 2001.his name is Mr Alex Sim from Singapore.

The account has no beneficiary at present and investigation has proved that this company does not know anything about the account. The total amount in this account is US$11.Million United States Dollars Only).In light of the above.I therefore solicit your assistance to provide a Well maintained account that can accommodate this fund.

The management is ready to welcome anybody preferably a foreigner who has the correct information of the account which I will give you immediately, if you indicate your willingness to handle this project with me.
Now, the management of the bank has ordered that all dormant accounts will be frozen. On the strength of this order, I wish to make advantage of this situation and present you as the beneficiary of this fund and get it Transferred to your designated account. Please be informed that all documents relating to this transaction will be destroyed immediately afterthe transfer, for safety purposes.

On the receipt of your positive response, I shall apply for annual leave for our face to face meeting in your country SHARING RATIO: I will compensate you with 20% of the total money for your assistance, but this percentage is negotiable.If this offer contends with your approvals, kindly drop me email.Please include your phone number and fax to enable me speak with you orally for more clarification.

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards
Mr. Festus Boniface Oha Odimegwu(District Branch Manager)

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam