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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:
  • "huge deposit" (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)
  • "million 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)
  • "barrister" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
  • "chambers" (Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• Barristers (lawyers) mentioned in 419 scams are always fake.

Fraud email example:

From: "Barr. Mohammed Sule" <udenwachambers001@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 12:46:08 +0100
Subject: GOOD DAY. PLEASE READ.


*Barrister Mohammed Sule*
*Udenwa Chambers.*
*Campbell Street*
*Lagos, Nigeria.*

*Dear* *Friend, *
**
*I am Barrister Mohammed Sule a solicitor at law. I am the personal attorney
to Mr. Mark G. Thompson a national of USA, who used to work with
Shell-development Company. Here in after shall be referred to as my client.
On the 21st of April 2004, my client, his wife were involved in a car
accident. All occupants of the vehicle unfortunately lost their lives. Since
then I have made several enquiries to USA embassy to locate any of my
clients extended relatives this has also proved unsuccessful. *
**
*After these several unsuccessful attempts, to locate any member of his
family hence I contacted you. I am contacting you to assist in repatriating
the money and property left behind by my client before they get confiscated
or declared unserviceable by the bank where this huge deposit were lodged.
Particularly, the finance House where the deceased had an account valued at
about US$8.5 million dollars has issued me a notice to provide the next of
kin or have the account confiscated within the next ten official working
days. *
**
*Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over 3years
now I seek your consent to present you as the next of kin of the deceased,
so that the proceeds of this account valued at US$8.5 million dollars can be
paid to you and then you and me can share the money. All I require is your
honest cooperation to enable us see this deal through.*
**
*I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that
will protect you from any breach of the law. and send to me your telephone
and fax numbers to enable us discuss further about this transaction. *
**
*Best regards, *
*Mohammed Sule*

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam