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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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "cotonou" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
  • "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.
  

Fraud email example:

From: zagconsults zc <zagconsults@hotmail.com>
Reply-To: <donna.franca10@yahoo.com>
Date: Sun, 18 Nov 2007 14:17:35 +0100
Subject: ATTN: ASSISTANCE NEEDED ( FOREIGN PARTNER ) !!!



Dear Friend,

I write to you based on my interest for an investment option in your country, I humbly crave for your assistance in this regard, please forgive me for contacting you through this medium.
I am Mrs Franca Donna, a sierra-leonian writting you from cotonou, I believe i got your contact for reasonable commitment with God's direction. I wish to know if you can assist us in moving the sum of Fifteen millon US dollars,(US$15.Million) for further investments.
I have registered for a Cheque / Draft, but the manager of the bank told me that because of the huge amount involve in the transaction, i should produce a trusted partner/beneficiary who would stand in to receive the funds upon transfer to my country of choice.
Presently, i am really sick ( most of the time on bed rest,through doctor's advice) and cannot do anything that will give me stress.My son is the only one helping out in the running around for now.
Due to the high level of crime and insecurity in my country presently,we have decided to relocate/migrate and live our lives peacefully elswhere,for this reason, I & my son will like to know if you will assist us in moving this funds to your country or any country in your opinion with a good invesment climate.This money was deposited by my husband along with other family treasures/artifarts and i am not willing to transact with fellow africans here due to the circumstances surrounding my husband's death ( my husband was a top goverment official who was assasinated in the heat of the last transition program ), and l am sure you are the only person who can assist us, we are also ready to work with you so that the money will be received by you on our behalf for further investments. All things being equal, This transaction can be done in approximately 7-10 working days, If you are willing to assist us, kindly let us know so that we can furnish you with further informations as regards the transaction. Hope to hear from you soonest.

Best Regards .Mrs Franca Donna.

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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam