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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:
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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:
  • "the consignment" (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)
  • "million 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)
  • "i have a new email address!" (this SPAM email was probably sent to thousands of people)
• This email message is a "dying merchant" scam.

Fraud email example:

From: =?utf-8?q?Thomas=20James?= <james.pt06@yahoo.in>
Reply-To: t.jamespt@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:56:59 +0530 (IST)
Subject: From Mr Thomas James


I have a new email address!You can now email me at: james.pt06@yahoo.in

PLEASE CAREFULLY AND GET BACK TO ME.

- From Mr Thomas James,Kindest Attention Needed,I am Mr Thomas James, A Portugal national I have been diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer .It has defiled all forms of medical treatment, and right now I have only about a few months to live.I am very rich,but was never generous, I have given most of my assets to my immediate family members. I have decided to give alms to charity organizations.I cannot do this myself anymore because of my health.I once asked members of my family to give some money to charity organizations,they refused and kept the money.I have a huge cash deposit of Eighteen Million dollars with a finance House abroad. I will want you to help me collect this deposit and dispatch it to charity organizations.You will take out 10% of this funds for your assistance. All you need to do is to Act as my NEXT OF KIN, to make the claim of the Consignment (Money) on my behalf. Also ask the company what it will take to receive the consignment and get it delivered to you in your state, bear in mind that the company are not aware of the content of the boxes as it was deposited as my personal effects (1) How old are you?(2) Are you married or not, if yes how many children?(3 ) What do you do for a living? (4) Full contact address including your full name? (5) Private Phone And Fax Number ?. Please note.I do not intend to cause you any problems,all your information that i ask for will be sent to the security company vault abroad for the delivery of the consignment to take place and all your information will be safe with them, this money belongs to me, all you need to do is to help me distribute it as I have instructed. The doctors informed me that I have about Eight weeks to live, so you can see why I am desperate to conclude this project before I pass away.I thank God that He sent me my teacher (Jesus Christ) who gave me the most important and useful knowledge about soul. Now my soul is preparing for the most important thing to face God .I want you to understand that You will be taken 10 % of this funds for your effort and time.Hoping to hear from you as soon as possible.Thanks,God Bless You And Your Family.Mr Thomas James.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam