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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:

• 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:
  • "million us dollars" (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)
  • ",000,000" (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)
  • "00,000.00" (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)
  • "10% will be kept aside for expenses" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "can i trust you?" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
  • "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.
  
• 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.
  • gmusamryiraq@gmail.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "CAN I TRUST YOU FROM IRAQ." <gmusamryiraq@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:47:31 +0000
Subject: I WANT TO TRUST YOU.


CAN I TRUST YOU FROM IRAQ.
From: Sgt.GERALD MORGAN.
US ARMY IN IRAQ.
email: gmusamryiraq@gmail.com

My name is sgt.GERALD MORGAN, I am with the US army and I am serving in the
military of the 1st Armored Division in Iraq. my partner and I moved funds
belonging to late Saddam Hussein,$10,000,000.00 (Ten million US dollars)
this money is being kept safe.

Click on this link to read about events that took place here
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2988455.stm

Basically since we are working for the American government we cannot keep
these funds,but we want to transfer and move the funds to you so that you
can keep it for us in your safe account or an offshore account. We will
divide the total funds in three ways, since we are 2 that is involved.This
means that you will take 30%, I will take 30%, and my partner will take
30%,10% will be kept aside for expenses.This business is confidential,and it
should not be discussed with anyone.There is no risk involved whatsoever if
you are interested I will send you the full details,my job is to find a good
partner that we can trust and that will assist us.

Can I trust you?
When you receive this mail,kindly send me an e-mail signifying your
interest including your most confidential telephone/fax numbers or by email
for quick communication details and remember this business is risk free.

Awaiting your prompt reply urgently.

Sgt. GERALD MORGAN.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam