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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
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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.

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:
  • "diplomatic courier" ("diplomats" who perform deliveries of cash or other valuables to you only exist in 419 scams)
  • "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
  • "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
  • "cheque " (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
  • "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
• 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.
  • +22993691074 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)

Fraud email example:

From: jimez emmen <jimez_emmen200@yahoo.fr>
Date: Thu, 12 Jul 2007 20:16:30 +0200 (CEST)
Subject: AWAITING YOUR URGENT RESPONSE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE


Dear Ms Loyce Fisch,


I am in receipt of your mail . I received the instruction from my Director to send to you the sum of $800,000.00. which is an internationally certified bank draft.

You are therefore advised to come down to Benin Republic in other to pick this draft which has already been drawn in your name. I want you to note that you are required to arrange for your coming down at once to receive this draft as I have other assignments outside this location. When you finalize your arrangement to come, give me a call on this number: +229-93-691074 to furnish me with your flightintenary to enable me come and meet you at the Airport.

NOTE: HERE IS THE ONLY OPTIONS TO RECEIVE THE DRAFT:
If you will not be able to come down to Benin Republic, the cheque will be despatched to you for your direct and effective encashing through courier service company. as i will meet the courier office tomorrow for the arrangement of the shipping if you cannot be able to come and then fill below informations where to send the cheque.


1.YOUR FULL NAME:_________________
2.YOUR Country ADDRESS:____________________________
3.TELEPHONE NUMBER:___________
4.OCCUPATION:_________________
5. SEX


The reason why I said that you will come is because my boss left the cheque without the money to send it to you. In this vein therefore, the mailing expenses has to be taken care of by you. So if you like your cheque to be sent to you via Diplomatic courier service company then be advised to send me your full contact informations where you want your cheque to be sent and i will meet the courier company to know how much it will cost incase if you don,t want to come to Benin ok. I'm waiting your urgent response.



Yours Sincerely
Mr Emmen Zenta.






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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam