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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)
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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:
  • "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 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "tarfa william" <tarfawilliams226@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 28 Jun 2008 08:52:21 -0500
Subject: MY EFFORT TO CONTACT YOU IS VERY IMPORTANT (Reply)


Our greetings to you,

I am Tarfa Williams from Seirra Leone and residing presently in Europe
with my Mother (A Widow). We are staying at a REFUGEE CAMP waiting
foran answer to our application for political Assylum, due to the
CIVIL WAR in my country in which I lost my father Alhaji Hammed
Williams and my sister, the WILL have been ready prompted me to
contact you.

I need a trustworthy and honest individual who would be ready to help
my family invest our fund wisely and profitably, our inheritance is
value at $100,000,000.00 (ONE HUNDRED MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS)
from my late father. This fund has been secured with a PRIVATE
SECURITY COMPANY in Europe.

To claim this fund from this security firm I have the necessary
documents including the certificate of deposit and the original copies
of bank statement from my late father's lawyer. In the desire to
invest this fund we will appreciate a stable ompany with growth
potentials. We wish to invest this fund in your company or any other
company or profit oriented venture under your advise and supervision.

You are the hope of this family as there is nothing we can do, due to
our status here. You will of course be adequately compensated with 30%
for your effort,which we will discuss as soon as you accept to help us
in this regard. I will be willing to answer any question about my
family as soon as we receive an acceptance mail from you.

You should also send your company's flyers or profile including some
hint about investment in your country. Hoping to hear from you soon
while thanking you in anticipation.

Best regards,
Prince Tarfa William

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam