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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:

• 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 friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "a security company " (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. Never ever send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally. )
  • "million united states 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)
• This email message is a "Zimbabwe" 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.
  • smithpaulo1@yahoo.com (email address has been used in a known fraud before)
  • 3asmithpaulo1@yahoo.com

Fraud email example:

From: "Paul Smith" <smithpaulo1@mailbox.hu>
Reply-To: smithpaulo1@yahoo.com
Date: Fri, 23 May 2008 11:49:14 +0100
Subject: confidential


From: Mr. Paul Smith

Tel: +233206668173

Email:smithpaulo1@yahoo.com <Email%3Asmithpaulo1@yahoo.com>



Dear Friend,

How are you today? I hope all is well with you. I do understand the concern
this letter will bring to you for the fact that it comes from someone
strange to you. But be rest assured for it come with good intentions.
However, as I was going on research,looking for responsible and trustworthy
someone who can help and assist me in this business/transferring some fund
out from Accra Ghana into his personal or company account overseas.
I am Mr. Paul Smith the only son of late Mr. Andrew Smith from Zimbabwe.
My father was among the rich black farmers murdered in cold blood in
Zimbabwe by war veterans of President ROBERT MUGABE
However, the number of farmers killed in Zimbabwe over the new land act
introduced by
President does not give any concern.
My main aim of contacting you is to assist me in transferring the sum of $
12,000,000.00 (Twelve
million United States Dollars) into your nominated oversea account; this
money was given to my father by President Mugabe when they were still in
good terms for investment purposes.
My father deposited this money in a security company in Accra here in The
Republic of Ghana as if he foresaw the looming blow of his death. My late
father deposited the said funds as family treasure in order to avoid seizure
since Ghana, have almost the same
land laws with Zimbabwe presently.
I am residing in Ghana with my mother as asylum seekers, and based on our
present status we are deprived of some financial rights of banking
activities.
Moreover, this money is the only thing my late father left for us as such
the entire life of my family depends on this money coupled with the
responsibilities rested on me, I will be willing to go into partnership on
any lucrative business you will suggest in your country.
Out of my own good will, I have decided to give you 30% of the total money,
70% will be for me and my family, which will also be invested in your
country for the future Investment of my family.

I will like you to contact me, via the above telephone number or email
address. ()

Please ensure to keep this proposal confidential.

I hope to hear from you as soon as possible.

Best regards

Mr. Paul Smith

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam