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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.

Click here to report a problem with this page.

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

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "cheque " (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.
  
• This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
  • victor_obi777@yahoo.com.hk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "Victor Obi" <fredclark18@legwork.com.ng>
Reply-To: victor_obi777@yahoo.com.hk
Date: Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:22:56 +0100
Subject: Hello Dear,


*Hello Dear,

I want to inform you that my Boss has died as a result sickness (pneumonia)
abroad. However, we have another method for you to receive your funds. It's
going to be in "Telegraphic Transfer" instead of the Cheque of which it was
written before my boss trip.

We have reliable information that many USA banks are reluctant to honour
cheque usually come from Africa, so we decided that it would be better we
credit your bank account direct through bank to bank transfer which is best
of payment. The sum of US$7.5 Million will be release to you with immediate
effect.

Be informed that this method of payment is designed with help of the Bank to
avert fraud perpetration or delay of payment which resulted in asking the
beneficiary to pay multiple fees. So if this is ok by you, then you have to
reconfirm your contact immediately to enable the process to begin.

1. Full Name*

* *

*2. Address*


*3. P hone number *


*4. Bank information*

* *

*The process will start immediately, your account will be credited within 24
hours you reconfirm your information to enable direct transfer to your
account.

Reply immediately through this email:
**victor_obi777@yahoo.com.hk*<victor_obi777@yahoo.com.hk>
*
Sincerely,
Victor Obi*

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam