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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.

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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:
  • "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)
  • "abuja" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "British High Commission Abuja" <jsmithesq2@mailbox.hu>
Reply-To: j_smithesq@yahoo.co.uk
Date: Wed, 28 May 2008 13:00:00 +0100
Subject: Dear Scam Victim,


*Dear Scam Victim,
Metro Plaza, Plot 991/992
Zakari Maimalari Street
Cadastral Zone AO,
Central Business District, Abuja.*


*Dear Scam Victim,*


*The BRITISH High Commission in Cote D' Ivoire, Nigeria,Benin Republic,Ghana

and Bokinafaso received a report of scam against you and other British/US
citizens and Malaysia,Etc. whom the country of Nigeria/Benin,Bokinafaso And
Ghana have recompensed you due to meeting held with Four countries
Government and the world high commissions against fraud activities by the
Four country Citizens.*


*Your name was among those scammed as listed by the Nigeria Financial
Intelligent Unit (NFIU). A recompensation has been issued out in Cash $1.9
million USD, to all the affected victims and has already been in process.
Your payment was among those that was reported none transfered as at on
yesterday and we wish to advise you to see to the instructions of the
Commitee to make sure you receives your payment immediately to your
Nominated bank account in your country.*


*We advise that you do the needful to make sure that you approved fund is
transfered to you asap, and be advised that you should stop further contacts

with all the fake lawyers, who in collaboration scammed you.*


*Get back to me immediately with the following details*


*Your Full Contact Address....................
Your Full Names. ............................
Your Direct Telephone/Fax Numbers...........
Your Copy of Identification.................
Occupation..................................
Position....................................
Age/Sex.....................................*


*Yours in Service,*

*Mr. John Smith
CONSULER,
BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONS
ABUJA.
*

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam