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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• 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:
  • "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)
  • "million 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)
  • "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "Dr Ernest Okon" <greatdrernestokonfmfnigeria3@klikni.cz>
Date: Thu, 29 May 2008 12:20:03 +0100
Subject: YOUR OVER DUE PAYMENT.


Dear Sir

Re: long over due consignment on your name and Favour.

I am Dr. Ernest Okon, Director of Operations Federal Ministry of
Finance Federal Government of Nigeria.

We apologize, for the delay of your payment and all the inconveniences
and inflict that we might have indulged you through.

However, we were having some minor problems with our payment system, which
is inexplicable, and have held us stranded and indolent, not having the
aspiration to devote our 100% assiduity in accrediting foreign contract
payments. We apologize once again.

I have been instructed by the Hon. Minister of finance to find out before
the end of this month, why your consignment valued US$12.5 Million Dollars
your contract part payment still unclaimed. However, their are two gentlemen
here who came from your country to claim this consignments on your behalf
and the reason giving to us is that you are the one who sent them that you
are terminal sick.

In this regard, kindly reconfirm this information to us for proper
identification, and to know if you are the one that sent them for the claim.

Below is the information that you are to reconfirm to my office
immediately.

1) Your full name(s) and identification
2) Your Home Phone Number and Your Cell phone numbers
3) Your address where your consignments will be Deliver to you.

Upon the proper identification, The Hon. Minister of Finance will
immediately sign the shipment approval and refer you to a mandated Courier
Firm who will be bringing the consignment to your doorstep in your country.
Our desire is to serving you better.

Waiting for your urgent reply via return mail for immediate conclusion
of your payment through a Diplomatic transfer to you.
Best Regards,

Dr Ernest Okon.
Director of Operations
Federal Ministry Of Finance.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam