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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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• Spam archive, Daily index
  

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:
  • "million us 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)
  • ",000,000" (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)
  • "can i trust you?" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "there is no risk involved" (almost true for the criminal - arrests of online criminals are rare)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: (sent from abused email account)
Reply-To: <kengabriel@freenet.lu>
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2008 02:26:14 +0000
Subject: Good day,



Good day,
My name is Mr. Pius K. Knotte; I’m Saint Lucian serving in the military
of the 1st Armored Division in Iraq, I and my colleague found some
funds belonging to late president of Iraq (Saddam), and no one knows
except us, the total is $55,000,000.00 (Fifty Five million US dollars)
This money is being kept safe in a security and finance firm in London.
Click on this link to read more info:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2988455.stmBasically, since we are working for the government we cannot keep these
funds, but we want to move the funds for future use. We are kindly
seeking for your assistance to receive these funds for us and have your
own share of the money for helping us to actualize our dream.We will divide the total funds in three ways, since we are 3 involved,
this means that you will take 30%, while 70% will be kept for us.
This business is confidential, and it should not be discussed with anyone.There is no risk involved whatsoever. If you are interested i will send
you the full details after declaring your interest, but my priority is
to find a honest partner whom i can trust.Can i trust you? When you receive this letter, kindly send me an e-mail
signifying your interest including your most confidential telephone for
quick communication. Please feel free as there is no risk involved.I wait your prompt reply.Regards,Sgt. Pius

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam