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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:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "hundred thousand 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)
  • "affidavit " (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "central bank of nigeria" (the name of a person or institution often appearing 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: "Bernard Morrison" <bernardmorrison@unimail.mn>
Reply-To: bernardmorrison@live.com
Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:16:20 +0100
Subject: Transaction,


Dear Friend,

I am Bernard Morrison, an accountant with the Nigerian National Petroleum
corporations (NNPC), I got your contact and recommendation from a cousin who
works with the United Nation, He confirmed you to be a trusted respectable
and very transparency person.

We hereby seek for your honorable assistance in helping us to claim, bank
and invest the sum of US$22.5M ( Twenty-Two Millions Five Hundred Thousand
United States Dollars Only) which arise as a result of an over inflated
contract sum executed by a foreign firm duly paid for the over four years
now.

The over inflated amount which will be paid directly to the benefited
beneficiary through our apex bank, The central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN)
affiliated corresponding financial Institution by telegraphic transfer into
your designated bank account, all arrangement has been put in place as we
are still in service to monitor the successful payment of these funds, the
fact is that affidavit in support of the claim will be endorsed in your name
and particulars upon your agreement to render the assistance.

I hereby want you to furnish us with the following information listed below
to facilitate necessary proceedings and procure documentation of claim in
your favour as the authorized beneficiary.

YOUR NAME/COMPANY'S NAME:
YOUR FULL BANKING DETAILS:
YOUR ADDRESS/COMPANY'S ADDRESS:
PRIVATE MOBILE PHONE NUMBERS:
PRIVATE TELEFAX NUMBERS:

Upon receipt of the above mentioned, we shall commence work immediately on
the documentation of claim, we have decided to compensate you with 25% of
the total sum, 10% for all expenses incurred during the transaction while
the 65% balance will be use for further investment in your country through
your assistance.

Your honesty and transparency will be highly required for a successful
transaction and we assure you of 100% risk free as we have perfected all
arrangement further to the transaction.

Awaits your response and comment.

Best Regards,
Bernard Morrison

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam