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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) 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:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "necessary legal documents" (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. )
  • "million british pounds" (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)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• 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.
  • ggwainwright77@yahoo.com.hk

Fraud email example:

From: =?big5?q?George=20Wainwright?= <gwainwright77@yahoo.com.hk>
Reply-To: gwainwright55@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2008 02:32:30 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: From Wainwright


§Ú¦³·sªº¹q¶l¦a§}¡I§A²{¥i¹q¶lµ¹§Ú¡Ggwainwright77@yahoo.com.hk



- Dear Friend.I am George Wainwright,an Account manager in a major bank in the United Kingdom.Recently,one of my clients with huge monetary deposit/investment passed away(Died),we have tried so much for a considerable time now without success to reach his next of kin who should inherit the deposit with us.As stated in the law if there is no claim on the funds behind by my client before they get confiscated or declared unclaimed by the bank.The account is valued at &pound;5.3 Million British Pounds Sterling. I have been issued a notice by the bank to provide the next of kin to my late client or have the account declared unclaimed and subsequently closed.Since I have been unsuccessful in locating the relatives for over two (2) years.I now seek your consent to present you as the next of kin of the deceased since you are a foreigner.The deposit can be paid to you and then you and I can share it.I have all necessary legal documents that can be used to back up any claim we may make.All I require is your honest co-operation to enable us see this deal through. I guarantee that this will be executed under a legitimate arrangement that will protect you and I from any breach of the law.Please get in touch with me to enable us discuss further. You may also, send your phone and fax numbers as well as your email address.You can contact me via emai.I await your email.Regards,George Wainwright.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam