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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:
  • "outstanding contractors" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "your payment is being processed" (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)
  • "to your nominated bank account" (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 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)
  • "international remittance department" (Banks mentioned in 419 scams are always fake (real banks don't communicate using mobile phones or free webmail addresses))
  • "central bank of nigeria" (the name of a person or institution often appearing in 419 scams)
  • "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
  • "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.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Mrs.Kate Ross <kateross12007@web2mail.com>
Date: Sat, 11 Aug 2007 00:40:22 -0400
Subject: IMMEDIATE CONTRACT PAYMENT


CENTRAL BANK OF NIGERIA
INTERNATIONAL REMITTANCE DEPARTMENT
CORPORATE HEAD QUARTERS
LAGOS NIGERIA
Our Ref: CBN/IRD/CBX/021/04

ATTN: SIR/MADAM,

IMMEDIATE CONTRACT PAYMENT

From the! Records of outstanding contractors due for Payment with the Federal Government of Nigeria,your Name was attached as the next of kin to one of our late contractor. your payment has been discovered as next on the list of payment. So I wish to inform you that your payment is being processed and will be released to you as soon as you respond to this letter.Also be advised that because of too many ontractors that I have to pay at this final quarter of the year, you will only receive the sum of us$50, 000,000,Fifty Million United States Dollars. So that I will be able to pay other contractors, but my promise is that I will make sure that you receive your balance later.

Kindly re-co nfirm to me the followings:

1. Your full name.
2. Phone, fax and mobile #.
3. Company name, and address.
4. Profession, age and marital status.
5. Copy of int'l passport Or Drivers Licence.

As soon as this information is received, your payment will be made to you in a certified bank draft or wired to your nominated bank account directly from our offshore payment centre. You can reply me through me direct alternative email address You should also be informed that you are taking 50% of the total sum while i will take 50% in this case we have to contribute our effort praticaly and finacialy to see that we have a smooth conclusion without any further delay.

As soon as you receive this letter for further discussion Get back to me immediately.

Regards,
Kate Ross. (Mrs.)
Secretary to Governor,
Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam