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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:
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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:
  • "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. )
• 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.
  • +22993901882 (Benin, probably a prepaid mobile phone)
• 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.
  • ben_raphel2000@yahoo.fr

Fraud email example:

From: "John William" <billmail@purcell.biz>
Reply-To: ben_raphel2000@Yyahoo.fr
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2007 12:54:38 +0100
Subject: Hello Sir

Dear,
I want to inform you that my Boss has died as a result pneumonia abroad.
However, we have another method for you to receive your funds. It?s going
to be in ?Cash Call? instead of the Cheque of which it was written before
my boss trip.

We have reliable information that many USA banks are reluctant to honour
cheque usually come from Africa, so we decided that it would be better we
packaged your funds of USD1.3 Million in form of Personal Diplomatic Package
and send it to you via special diplomatic means and you will receive your
funds in your Country.
Be informed that this method of payment is designed with help of the Bank
to avert fraud perpetration or delay of payment which resulted in asking
the beneficiary to pay multiple fees.So if this is ok by you, then you have
to reconfirm your contact immediately to enable the process to begin.You
can reach me on this phone number +229 - 93901882 for more information.
1. Full Name
2. Address

3. Phone number

The process will start immediately, and diplomat will travel to your country
to deliver the money to you. This consignment will be specially packaged
and disguised in a form of gift items.

Reply immediately through this email:Ben_Raphel2000@yahoo.fr

Sincerely,
John Williams

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam