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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
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• 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.

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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)
  • "offshore account" (Banks mentioned in 419 scams are always fake (real banks don't communicate using mobile phones or free webmail addresses))
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: Botha Owen <botha.50@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <botha.2@classicmail.co.za>
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:58:15 +0000
Subject: (***From Botha Owen***)



Dear Friend, I am making this contact based on my Department needs an individual/company who can help us with the transfer of a contract Money. This amount (US$14.5M) represents the balance of the total contract value executed on behalf of my Department by a foreign contracting firm. This amount we have gotten approval to transfer abroad to any foreign bankaccount. This transaction is 100% safe and legal in all areas, we are only handicapped in the circumstances, as the South African Civil Service Code of Conduct does not allow us to operate offshore account hence your importance in the whole transaction. I have the authority of my colleagues involved to propose that should you be willing to assist us in this transaction your share as compensation will be US$4.35M(30%), while my colleagues and I receive US$8.75M (60%)and the balance of US$1.45M (10%) for taxation and miscellaneous expenses incurred. We have reposed our confidences in you and hope that you will not disappoint us. Kindly send me your direct telephone/fax number to enable me reach with further details upon your acceptance to help us. Once again, Please remember that time is of great essence in this transaction. I will appreciate your prompt response. I wait in anticipation of your fullest co-operation. Yoursfaithfully, Engr. Botha Owen.
_________________________________________________________________
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam