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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) scam
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• Phone numbers used by 419 scammers
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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:
  • "a security company " (this will cost you money - be careful with upfront payments to anyone you only know through email, especially if they promise you a lot of money. Never ever send money by Western Union or MoneyGram to people you do not know personally. )
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "Okechi Cole." <okechicole3@ig.com.br>
Reply-To: okechicole@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 31 Jul 2008 03:07:28 -0700
Subject: Hi.


Dear Sir,

INVESTMENT PROPOSAL.

Permit me to introduce myself to you. My name is Mr. Okechi COLE, a former
Director in a Security Company in Nigeria. I was retired suddenly without
notice from my position as Director last year due to certain political
reasons in the Company that did not favour me.

I have decided to contact you through this medium based on business proposal
that will be of mutual benefit to both of us. I have not discussed this
transaction with anybody because it is very sensitive and secret. It is
equally dear to my heart.

During my tenure, I had the opportunity of coming across an abandoned
treasure which contained genuine dollars bills about $15M. Due to the way
the Company was operated, it was easy for me underdertake this operation so
I quickly prepared full papers for the treasure in another name and moved it
to Europe. I lost my job almost at the time I concluded the deal.

But I have full claim to it. With the modalities and paper work in my
possesion, I am now soliciting your noble assistance to assist me in
transferring this money to your country for immediate investment. I am
constrained to solicit for your assistance because I cannot easily travel
out of the country until the dust surrounding my forceful retirement settles
down.

I have also decided that we shall discuss the issue of share by percentage
before we continue with the transaction. Please make suggestion in your
response. Upon my receipt of your reply confirming your willingness to
assist me with this transaction, I will immediately arrange and transfer all
the rights of ownership of this consignment to your name to facilitate your
easy clearance and transfer of the complete funds to your country for
onward investment.

Please maintain absolute confidentiality on this matter as I await your most
prompt response.

Yours faithfully,
Okechi COLE.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam