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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:
  • "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
  • "huge amount of money" (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)
  • "huge deposit" (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)
  • "million british pounds" (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)
  • "high court" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "federal high court" (This court is often mentioned in '419' scams to give the victim a reason why he/she should send thousands of dollars to the scammers. A 'Federal High Court' exists in Germany and Nigeria, but not in other countries, such as the UK, Spain, Netherlands, Senegal, Benin, South Africa or other countries where fake lawyers in scams often claim to be based. )
• 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.
  • +447849474958

Fraud email example:

From: michael smith <michael_smith_715@hotmail.com>
Date: Sat, 23 Jun 2007 16:57:26 +0200
Subject: Urgent Information



Dear Sir/Madam,Firstly, not to cause you embarrassment, I amMr.Michael Smith, a Solicitor at law based in theUnited Kingdom and the personal attorney to late Mr.Thompson Morris a National of France, who used to be aprivate contractor with the Shell PetroleumDevelopment Company in Saudi Arabia, herein aftershall be referred to as my client. On the 21st ofApril 2001, he and his wife with their three childrenwere involved in an auto crash; all occupants of thevehicle unfortunately lost their lives.Since then, I have made several enquiries with hiscountry's embassies to locate any of my clientsextended relatives, this has also proved unsuccessful.After these several unsuccessful attempts, I decidedto contact you with this business partnershipproposal. I have contacted you to assist inrepatriating a huge amount of money left behind by myclient before they get confiscated or declaredunserviceable by the Bank where this huge deposit waslodged.The deceased had a deposit valued presently atBPS30million British Pounds Sterling and the Bank hasissued me a notice to provide his next of kin orBeneficiary by Will otherwise have the accountconfiscated within the next thirty official workingdays.Since I have been unsuccessful in locating therelatives for over three years now, I seek yourconsent to present you as the next of kin / WillBeneficiary to the deceased so that the proceeds ofthis account valued at BPS30Milliom British PoundsSterling can be paid to you.This will be disbursed or shared in these percentages,50% to me and 45% to you then %5 has been mapped outfor any expences that may be incured during the causeof this transaction.I have all necessary legaldocuments that can be used to Back up any claim willbe obtained From the Federal High Court of Englandwith the Certificate Of Deposit which has been issuedto me by the Bank. All I require is your honestCo-operation, Confidentiality and Trust to enable ussee this project through.I guarantee you that this will be executed under alegitimate Arrangement that will protect you from anybreach of the law. All the relevant documents thatwill give you the legal backing to claim the fund willbe processed.Please acknowledge receipt of this message by e-mail.As I am based in the United Kingdom. And pleaseprovide me the following below; this is to enable mecommence immediate preparation of all legal documentthat will back up our claim.1. Full Name2. Your Telephone Number and Fax Number3. Your Contact Address.Your urgent response will be highly anticipated andappreciated.Best regards,Barrister Michael Smith.Direct Tel: +447849474958
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam