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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:
  • ",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)
• 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)
Date: Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:16:19 +0100
Subject: PRIVATE LETTER.


Good day,

The purpose of my writing to you is because I am searching for a foreign
business partner who is in a position to assist me with my urgent business
proposal.A partner who understands what confidentiality means and who has
the necessary facilities required in embarking on this important venture.I
decided to contact you through email as it has remained the only fast,safest
and possible means to contact you.I apologize if this is not suitable to
you.

Let me first introduce myself.My name is STEVE RODRIQUEZ.I am an Accountant
and I work for a Government owned Gold Refinery Company with its branches in
Europe and beyond.I have served in this capacity for 12 years and currently
at the Finance/Treasury Department.

I wish you to help me lay claims to balance funds derived from a contract
executed by one of our contractors.The total contract sum was
US$158,109,000.00 and US$140,000,000.00 has already been paid,leaving a
balance of US$18,109,000.00.

It is my intention to form a company with you when the funds are paid.My
area of interest is Real Estate or any other investment of your great idea,I
also desire absolute confidentiality and professionalism in this
transaction.

Please note that this transaction is risk-free and will be handled
professionally and in a manner that it would not breach the law.

For effective communication,please kindly include in your reply the
following information:

1.Your full/complete Names:

2.Address:

3.Occupation:

4.Age:

5.Your direct phone numbers:

I will give you my contact information as well as full details regarding
this transaction as soon as I get your reply.I look forward to hearing from
you and my gratitude for your patience.

Respectfully yours,
Steve Rodriquez.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam