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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)
• 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.

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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 friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "i will like you to " (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • ",500,000" (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)
  • "your urgent reply" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
  • "utmost confidentiality" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
  • "observe utmost confidentiality" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.

Fraud email example:

From: Shepherd Morris <shepherdmoris@gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 9 Aug 2008 16:49:26 -0400
Subject: New Business Deal

Natwest Bank Plc,
Bromley Branch,
London
BW1 3AN



Email: shepherdmorris@live.com


Dear Friend,

I would appreciate your interest in this transaction. Let me start by introducing myself to you fully. I am Mr Shepherd Morris, Accounts Manager, of Natwest Bank Plc Bromley Road Branch. With due respect and to be sincere with you I got your contact email discreetly via online during my personal search for someone who would assist me. Initially I was very reluctant in contacting you, however considering the fact that I cannot do this on my own name, I was left with the only option of sending you an email.


On August 10th, 2004, a German contractor with the British Pertroleum co-operation, United Kingdom, Mr Andreas Garnder Schranner made a numbered time (Fixed) Deposit for twelve calendar months, valued at £12,500,000.00 (Twelve Million five Hundred thousand Pound only) in my branch.


Upon maturity,I sent a routine notification to his forwarding address but got no reply. After a month, we sent a reminder and finally we discovered from his contract employers, the British Pertroleum co-orporation that Mr Andreas Garnder Schranner died from an Automobile accident further investigation, I found out that he died without making a WILL,and all attempts to trace his next of kin was fruitless.


I therefore made further investigation and discovered that Mr Andreas Garnder Schranner did not declare any Next of kin or relations in all his official documents, including his Bank Deposit paperwork in my Bank. This sum of £12,500,000.00 is still intact in my Bank and the interest is being rolled over with the principal sum at the end of each year. No one will ever come forward to claim it. According to inheritance Laws of the United Kingdom, at the expiration of 5 (five) years, the money will revert to the ownership of the Local Government Authorities here in London, United Kingdom, if nobody applies to claim the fund.


Consequently, my proposal is that I will like you to stand in as the next of kin to Mr Andreas Garnder Schranner so that the fruits of this old man's labour will not get into the hands of some corrupt government officials. This is simple, I will like you to provide immediately your full names and address so that the attorney will prepare the necessary documents and affidavits that will put you in place as the next of kin. We shall employ the services of an attorney for drafting and notarization of the WILL and to obtain the necessary documents and letter of probate/administration in your favor for the transfer. The money will be paid into your account for us to share in the ratio of 60% for me and 35% for you and 5% for Expenses Incurred in the course of the transaction.


There is no risk at all, as all the paperwork for this transaction will be done by the attorney and with my position as the Manager with my bank will guarantee the successful execution of this transaction. If you are interested, please reply immediately to my private email box : shepherdmorris@live.com


Upon your response, I shall then provide you with more details and relevant documents that will help you understand the transaction. You should observe utmost confidentiality, and be rest assured that this transaction would be most profitable for both of us because I shall require your assistance to invest my share in your country.


Awaiting your urgent reply.


Thanks and regards,
Shepherd Morris.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam