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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:
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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

Some comments by the Scam-O-Matic about the following email:

• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "your payment is being processed" (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)
  • "certified bank draft" (Beware of any scheme that involves cashing checks or money orders and then wiring a portion of the funds somewhere - you'll be liable for the entire amount if the checks or money orders turn out to be fake, even after you have received and forwarded cash. If it's a lottery prize, remember that real lotteries do not pay large prizes by check. They wire the money directly to your bank account and you do not pay for that. Many scammers promise a large check only in order to then demand payment of courier fees for a fake courier service. )
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: <onlinecyber472@yahoo.co.uk>
Date: Mon, 7 Jul 2008 12:26:44 +0100
Subject: FUND RELEASE NOTICE.

FUND RELEASE NOTICE.

Dear Winner


We Apologies, for the delay of your payment and all the Inconveniences
that we might have indulge you through. However, we are having some minor
problems with our payment system.We apologies once again. From the Records
of outstanding winners due for payment with {ONLINE CYBER PROMOTION} your
Email

and particular was discovered as next on the list of the outstanding
winners who have not yet received their payments.

I wish to inform you now that your payment is being processed and will be
released to you as soon as you respond to this Notice .Also note that from
the

record in our file, your outstanding winning payment is US$950.215.00
(NINE HUNDRED AND FIFTY THOUSAND,TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTEEN DOLLARS). Be
informed that

Payment will be made to you in a certified bank draft or wire transfer
into a nominated bank account of your choice, as soon as you
get in touched with.

Mr.Mike James
E-mail: ocpmike8@ozu.es

Do Provide him with the following details, as this will enable him process
the release of your cash prize without any delay. Your Full
Name:..................................................................
Telephone and fax
Numbers:.....................................................
Residental Address:.......................................................

For Your urgent reply Contact Mr.Mike James via e-mail: { ocpmike8@ozu.es}
to effect the speedy release of your cash prize to you within 48hours.

Yours Sincerely,
Mrs. Jane Philips
Vice President.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam