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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:
  1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
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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:

• 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:
  • "dear sir/madam" (a standard Nigerian greeting phrase)
  • "hundred thousand united state 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)
  • "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)
  • "united state dollar" (this email uses bad English)
  • "can i completely trust you?" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "your humble assistance" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
• This email message is a orphan scam.
• This email lists mobile phone numbers. Use of such numbers is typical for scams because they allow criminals to conceal their true location. They can receive calls in an Internet cafe from where they send you emails, while pretending to be in some office.
  • +27767742782 (South Africa, prepaid mobile phone)
• 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.
  • peter_wusu10@yahoo.co.uk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: "peter wusu" <peterwusu7@superposta.com>
Date: Thu, 17 Jul 2008 08:50:12 -0700
Subject: INEED YOUR ASSISTANCE REGARD THIS FUND(USD$7,700,000.00)


*pls contact me with my privat email adress.*
*( **peter_wusu10@yahoo.co.uk* <peter_wusu10@yahoo.co.uk>* )*
**
*Dear sir/madam,*
* *
*I am the only son of my late parents Mr.and Mrs.Wusu. My father was a
highly reputable politician in zimbabwe during his days. It is sad to say
that he killed mysteriously by his political opposition. *
* *
*Though his sudden death was linked or rather suspected to have been
masterminded by his political opponent whom he campaining with . But God
knows the truth! My mother died when I was little, and since then my father
took me so special. *
* *
*Before his death on September 2007, he called me and informed me that he
has the sum of Seven Million, Seven Hundred thousand United State Dollars.
(USD$7,700,000.00) left in fixed deposit account in one of the leading banks
in Africa. He further told me that he deposited the money in my name, and
also gave me all the necessary but legal documents to this fund with the
bank. I am just 24 years old and a university undergraduate and really don't
know what to do.*
* *
*Now I want an account overseas where I can transfer this funds and after
the transaction I will come and reside permanently in your country till such
a time that it will be convenient for me to return back home if I so desire.
This is because I have suffered a lot of set backs as a result of incessant
political crisis in my country *
* *
*The death of my father actually brought sorrow to my life. I also want to
invest the fund under your care because I am ignorant of business world. I
am in a sincere desire of your humble assistance in this regard. Your
suggestions and ideas will be highly regarded. *
* *
*Now permit me to ask these few questions: *
* *
*Can you honestly help me from your heart? *
*2. Can I completely trust you? *
*3. What percentage of the total amount in question will be good for you
after the money is in your account? *
* *
*Please assure me if your willing to assist me. *
* *
*Contact me with my privat email adress*
*( **peter_wusu10@yahoo.co.uk* <peter_wusu10@yahoo.co.uk>* )*
*Tell.+27 767742782*
*Fax...... *
* *
*Please, consider this and get back to me as soon as possible. Immediately I
confirm your willingness, I will inform you more details involved in this
matter. *
* *
*Kind Regards,*
*MR PETER WUSU.*

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam