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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:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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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:
  • "from the desk of" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "the consignment" (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)
  • "lagos" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
  • "remain blessed" (scammers in West Africa like to use religious phrases)
• 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.
  • +2348035395258 (Nigeria, 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.
  • mr_frank.adams44@yahoo.co.uk

Fraud email example:

From: Chief Chima Eze <chief_chima1@hotmail.co.uk>
Reply-To: <chief_011@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2007 20:36:15 +0100
Subject: Very urgent Attention.


>From The Desk of Chief Chima Eze.Auditing and Accounting Unit.Union Bank of Nigeria Plc. Lagos, Nigeria.Tel: 234-803-539-5258.
Attn: Lynch, Sequel to the secretive arrangement in regards of the shipment, I wish to inform you that all necessary modalities have been automatically concluded and have left Nigeria to London via your Country today by Express Cargo Flight. I informed them that the crate contains Vital "DIPLOMATIC DOCUMENTS" belonging to my client (that´s you). Furthermore,the weight of the consignment is 220kg but I manage to pay 120kg, which cost US$95,600.00. Contact the Director: Mr. Frank Adams, Euro Trust Security and Diplomatic Company Plc London. Tel: 447-024-074543; Email: mr_frank.adams44@yahoo.co.uk to know the actual situation with the consignment and also give them your address where the consignment will be delivered and then get back to me as soon as possible so that I can give you the shipment document. Meanwhile, I will be coming over to your country immediately after the consignment arrives in your Country and Pray you remain blessed. Best Regards, Yours faithfully, Chief Chima Eze. U.B.A.Tel: 234-803-539-5258.
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Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam