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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.

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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 friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a "New Partner from Paraguay" 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.
  • barrister_dahssi_marie@yahoo.fr

Fraud email example:

From: Frank Koffi <frank_koffi@easymail.hu>
Date: Wed, 01 Aug 2007 12:53:43 +0200
Subject: Contact My Barrister

Dear friend, I'm happy to inform you about my success in getting that fund transferred under the co-operation of a new partner from Japan. Presently am now in Japan for investment projects . I have not forgotten your past efforts and attempts to assist me in transferring those funds despite that it failed us some how Now, I am given you this sums due to your previous effort that you participated. You will need to contact my Barrister in Cotonou Benin Republic. NAME ;Barrister Dahssi Marie EMAIL ;barrister_dahssi_marie@yahoo.fr Ask him to send you the total sum of $800,000,00 (eight hundred thousand USD) it is in a bank Bond, which I kept for your compensation. Please make sure you fill this FORM and send to him. 1. FULL NAMES:___________________________ 2. ADDRESS:____________________________ 3. SEX:____________ 4. AGE:_______ 5. MARITAL STATUS:_______________ 6.OCCUPATION:____________________________ 7. TELEPHONE NUMBER:_______________________ 8. BREIF DESCRIPTION OF COMPANY/:___________ 9. CITY:____________________ 10. COUNTRY:________________ Regards, Mr.Frank Koffi

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam