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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) 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:

• 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:
  • "a security company " (this will cost you money - that's what the scam is about)
  • "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)
  • "barr." (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 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.
  • cliffordjohnsonattorneys@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "clifford johnson" <cliffordjohnsonattorneys5@hotmail.com>
Date: Mon, 02 Apr 2007 16:39:25 +0200
Subject: STRICTLY PRIVATE!!

               CLIFFORD JOHNSON ATTORNEYS(OAKLAND CHAMBERS)

                   BARRISTERS AND SOLICITORS.

              MORLEY HOUSE, 26-30 HOLBORN VIADUCT,

                              LONDON EC 1A 2BP.

                             Tel: 0044 703 189 2432

                             Fax:0044 870 479 6165

             E-mail private: (cliffordjohnsonattorneys@yahoo.com)

 

Attn: Sir/Madam,

 

I am Barr. Clifford johnson, an attorney at law based in London.I am deeply sorry for any inconvienience that this unexpected letter may cause you. 

 

A deceased client of mine, by name Mr Randy. E. Fernando who died in New Orleans with his wife and two children during the last Hurricane Katrina,has prior to his death, entrusted this confidential business into my care unaware of the unforseen circumstances.

 

My client deposited the Sum of US$15.500,000,00 (Fifteen Million Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) with a Security Company in Spain and the Security Company has issued me a notice to contact the next of kin to the deceased or the funds will be confiscated.

 

I have made concerted efforts to trace any relation of my late client but all the documents handed over to me, bears no name as next of kin and for this reason, it is imperatively difficult for me hence my decision to solicit for your help so that we both can share the funds after claiming it from the security company in spain.

 

My proposition to you is to seek your consent to present you as the next-of-kin to my late client so that the funds can be paid to you as the bonafilde beneficiary. In view of this, I want to seek your Honest and trustworthy assistance to help me claim the funds from the Security Company.

 

The legal documents that is backing the deposit is currently with me and other paperwork for this transaction will be done by me hence my position as the personal attorney to the deceased, guarantees the successful execution of this transaction and protect you from any breach of the law. Similarly, I have it in mind to reward you with a certain percentage for your assistance. I am also willing to donate ( 5%) of this fund to an Orphanage Home in your Country after  you have claimed this funds and have it in your custody.

 

Do not hesitate to contact me if you find this message worthy of your attention through the above E-mail or phone and fax numbers immediately you receive this letter to indicate your interest so that I can furnish you with other relevant details concerning the transaction that will help you understand that this transaction would be most profitable for both of us because your assistance will also be needed as I might decide to venture into lucrative business in your country under your guidance.Do not fail to enclose you certified telephone/fax numbers so that I can contact you in earnest.

 

I wait to hear from you urgently,

 

Best Regards,

 

Barr. Clifford Johnson (Esq)

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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam