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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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
  • "please endeavor to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "to your nominated bank account" (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)
  • "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• 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.
  • mrgeorge_morgan@yahoo.co.uk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Mr.George Morgan" <georgemorgan@halifaxbankplc.com>
Reply-To: mrgeorge_morgan@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2008 06:50:58 -0600
Subject: Transfer of Title Enquiry (Treat As Urgent)

Dear Sir/Madam,



I am Mr George Morgan Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of
HALIFAX BANK PLC London,United Kingdom.I have a Secured business suggestion
for you.



Before the U.S and Iraqi war our client Col. Hosam Hassan who was with the
Iraqi forces and also business man made a numbered fixed deposit for 18
calendar months, with a value of Thirty Million Great British Pounds Sterling
only in my branch. Upon maturity several notices was sent to him,even during
the war early this year. Again after the war another notification was sent
and still no response came from him. We later find out that Col. Hosam Hassan
along with his wife and only daughter had been killed during the war in a
bomb blast that hit their home.



What bothers me most is that according to the laws of my country at the
expiration 4 years the funds will revert to the ownership of the British
Government if nobody applies to claim the funds. Against this backdrop, my
suggestion to you is that I will like you as a foreigner to stand as the next
of kin to Col. Hosam Hassan so that you will be able to receive his funds.I
have contacted an attorney that will prepare the necessary document that will
back you up as the next of kin to Col.Hosam Hassan.There is no risk involved
at all in the matter as we are going to adopt a legalized method and the
attorney will prepare all the necessary documents.Please endeavor to observe
utmost discretion in all matters concerning this issue.Once the funds have
been transferred to your nominated bank account we shall share in the ratio
of 60% for me, 40% for you, Should you be interested please send me
informations below to mrgeorge_morgan@yahoo.co.uk



1. Full names and Age

2. Private phone number

3. Fax Number

4. Current residential address.

5. Occupation



And finally after that I shall provide you with more details on this
transaction. Your earliest response to this letter will be highly
appreciated.



Kind Regards,



Mr George Morgan.


___________________________________________________________

Fidelity Communications Webmail - http://webmail.fidnet.com

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam