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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• Frequently asked Questions (419 FAQ)
• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
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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:
  • "money transfer control number" (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. Never ever send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally. )
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  
• Western Union money transfer is completely untraceable and therefore is *not* safe to use with anyone you do not know personally. It is the preferred method of online criminals to collect money from their victims.

Fraud email example:

From: Warren James <warren.jamesltd@hotmail.co.uk>
Date: Fri, 12 Oct 2007 18:33:53 +0000
Subject: Payment Delivery Update... Western Union Instructions... Reply ASAP



Hi,

I have just been informed that payment was sent out to you and should be delivered to your address on file with us today.

I should have sent this earlier but was not informed until i got in from the hospital a moment ago. I do have the tracking number with me now and would send this if you request for it. I would like you to go ahead and cash the check and then send the money as instructed below.

I have also placed below instructions on how the Western Union Transfer should be done. I would like you to go ahead and remove your 10% from the funds received. Then the rest of the funds are to be sent VIA Western union Money Transfer to my supplier ASAP whose name and address you will find below..
NOTE I'd like this Transaction concluded ASAP.
NAME: Marc-André ParéADDRESS: 1156 WELLINGTON RDZIP CODE: N6E 1M3rCOUNTRY: ONTARIO CANADA.
You are to make use of the details above in making the transfer of funds to my supplier ASAP when the check is delivered. I am aware that Western Union would charge a certain fee for the transfer: I would like this fee to be deducted from the amount left (90% being sent) and the rest sent to the name above ASAP.
However, after the transfer of funds is made, Do E-mail me back with the Western Union Information stated below so that I can forward it to the suppliers so as to make it possible for them to have the funds collected:
Receiver's Name and Address: Sender's Name & Address: Amount Sent After The Western Union Charges: Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN #): Text Question and Answer: (Make use of this Question & Answer) Question: Who is the creator? Answer: God
I would like you to follow my instructions. Any questions would be entertained and responded to ASAP
Thanks...
Warren James.
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam