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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:
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• 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.
  • +22997246770 (Benin, probably a 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.
  • bensonogodo@excite.com

Fraud email example:

From: "Benson Ogodo" <bensonogodo13@rediffmail.com>
Date: 18 Jan 2007 12:37:45 -0000
Subject: YOUR URGENT ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED PLEASE.


CHIEF HON. BENSON OGODO &amp; CO. L.L.B. L.L.M B.LLEGAL PRACTITIONER AND CONSULTANTMEMBER CONSTITUTION DRAFTING COMMITTEE 1995.Tel: +229 972 467 70Email: bensonogodo@excite.com
Dear Larry,
REQUEST FOR YOUR PROMPT ATTENTION:
I am calling from Benin Republic West Africa. I am Hon. Barrister Benson Ogodo, an English speaking Beninoise, Solicitor &amp; Financial Attorney/Consultant. I was moved to contact based on the present condition of things here. There is a foreigner who registered with me as his personal Attorney . On 2nd&nbsp; June 1999 my client made a numbered time (Fixed) deposit for US$15.500,000.00 (Fifteen Million, Five Hundred Thousand United State Dollars Only.) with a Bank here in Benin with intention to build a charity home and church here in West Africa.
My client Late Mr. Morris Thompson with standing statement/agreement with the bank that all correspondences in respect to the fixed deposit contact must be sent to him through my humble chambers since he is not perminent residing here. Upon maturity, the routine notification was sent to me, which I dispatched to his forwarding address as usual without reply. After a month, I sent a reminder which I received from the bank without any reply again. Finally, I discovered from my&nbsp; client\'s contract employees that he died among many others on the plane crash of Alaska Airlines Flight 261 which crashed on January 31, 2000, including his wife and only daughter. You shall read more about the crash on visiting this site. http://www.cnn.com/2000/US/02/01/alaska.airlines.list/
I also discovered that he did not declare any kin or relations in all his official documents, including his fixed deposit contract with the bank. Hencefort, I seek your consent to present you to this bank as the next of kin based on the official letter I just received from his bankers reminding me that BENINOISE LAW states that at the expiration of Seven (7) years the money will revert to the BENINOISE Government treasure as un-claimed, if I do not confirm the next of kin to claim the fund.
Consequently, my proposal is that I will like you as a foreigner to stand in as the next of kin to my deceased/late client and receive the amount since I have tried to locate any of his relatives without success so, that the fruits of this old man\'s labor will not go into the hands of some corrupt government officials.
I will give you 30% of the total fund for your assistance while the balance will be for my investments in your country which will be under your care and advise, note that all necessary arrangement for the smooth release of these funds to you has been successful put in place and I will discuss much in details when I do receive your response.
Note that this transaction is simple and risk free because I will provide expert legal services that will guarantee the successful execution of the deal. If you are interested, please contact me as soon as possible through phone or email and I shall provide you with more details and how we shall proceed with the claims. I expect you to observe utmost confidentiality and be rest&nbsp; assured that this transaction would be profitable for both of us. Reply me on my private email: bensonogodo@excite.com
Thanks as I await for your reply.
My best regards,Hon. Benson Ogodo Esq.Tel: +229 972 467 70

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam