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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)
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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 sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
  • "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)
  • "lome togo" (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: "kossi nestor" <kossinestor11@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 9 Jul 2008 11:18:28 +0000
Subject: please help me


Dear Sir/madam,

Having consulted with my colleagues and based on the information gathered
from the lome togo Chamber Of Commerce And Industry via the Information
Exchange in lome, I have the privilege to request for your assistance to
transfer the sum of $12,000,000.00 (Twelve million United States dollars)
into your accounts.

The above sum resulted from an over-invoiced contract,executed commissioned
and paid for about ten(10)years ago by a foreign contractor. This action was
however intentional and since then the fund has been in a suspense account
at the lome togo Reserve Bank. We are now ready to transfer the fund
overseas and that is where you come in. It is important to inform you that
as civil servants, we are forbidden to operate a foreign account. That is
why we require your Assistance. The total sum will be shared as follows: 70%
for us, 25%for you and 5% for local and international expenses incurred
during the transfer.

The transfer is risk free on both sides. I am a Director,Accounts with ANGLO
GOLD here in togo Republic. If you find this proposal acceptable, we shall
require the following documents:

(a) your bank name, telephone,account and fax number.
(b) Your private telephone and fax numbers -- for confidentiality and easy
communication.
(c) Your letter-headed paper stamped and signed.

Alternatively, we will furnish you with the text of what to type into your
letter-headed paper, along with a breakdown explaining,comprehensively what
we require of you. The business will take us fourteen (14) working days to
accomplish.
Please reply urgently as soon as you read this mail.

Best regards

kossi nestor

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam