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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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "million pounds" (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 next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: "Frank Anam" <bankaauditor1@gala.net>
Date: Sun, 6 Jul 2008 18:39:46 +0100
Subject: Please accept my sincere apology


Dear Friend,

Please accept my sincere apology if my email does not meet your business or
personal ethics. I will first introduce myself as Frank Anam an auditor with
a bank in Benin Republic. One of our accounts, with holding balance of £25M
(Twenty Five Million pounds Sterling) has been dormant and last operated
many years ago.

Nobody has done anything as regards the claiming of this money, because the
account owner has no family member or friends that has any knowledge as to
the existence of either the account or the funds; I have decided to find a
reliable foreign partner to deal with.

My proposition to you, is to seek your consent to present you as the Next of
kin and beneficiary of this late client, So that the proceeds of this
account valued a huge sum shall be paid to you, and then we can share the
amount on a mutually agreed percentage.

This transaction is totally free of risk and troubless as the fund is
legitimate and does not originate from drug, moneylaundry, terrorism or any
other illegal act, funds will be released to you after necessary processes
have been followed. Let me hear from you as soon as you get this message, so
we can proceed. Reach me on my direct E-mail;
( frankanam@live.fr )

Best regards,
Mr Frank Anam.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam