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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:
  • "(efcc)" (This name is often mentioned in money recovery scams (re-scam): the real EFCC does not contact victims to offer to get their money back because that is near impossible. )
  • "courier service" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
  • "courier company" (Courier companies mentioned in 419 scams are always fake. They will have you send money to them, but won't deliver anything. )
  • "abuja" (a location commonly mentioned in 419 scams)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: <efrcnig_organisation@veloxmail.com.br>
Reply-To: efrcnigeria@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:40:49 +0000
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO REACH YOU!!!



THE DIRECTOR GENERAL
(EFRC) OF NIGERIA .
BLOCK 7B, FLAT 1,
F.C.T. GARKI ABUJA .
Attention,
The BRITISH High Commission in Nigeria,Benin Republic,Ghana and
Bokinafaso received a report of scam against you and other British/US
citizens and Malaysia,Etc.The countries of Nigeria, Benin Republic,
Bokinafaso And Ghana have recompensed you following the meeting held with
the Four countries' Government and various countries' high commission for
the fraudulent activities carried out by the Four countries' Citizens.
Your name was among those scammed as listed by the Economic And Financial
Recovery Commission (E F R C) licensed under (EFCC).

A compensation has been issued out in ATM CARDS to all the affected
victims and has been already been in distribution to all the bearers.Your
ATM CARD was among those that was reported undelivered as at today and we
wish to advise you to see to the instructions of the Committee to make sure
you receive your draft immediately.EFRC further told us that the use of
Nigeria and Benin Couriers was abolished due to interception activities
noticed in the above mentioned courier services in Benin,Nigeria and Ghana
and thereby have made a concrete arrangement with the DHL Courier Company
for a safe delivery to your door-step once the beneficiary meets up the
demand of the conveyance. We advise that you do the needful to make sure the
EFRC dispatches your ATM CARD to you soon.
You are assured of the safety of your ATM CARD and availability. Be
advised that you should stop further contacts with all the fake lawyers and
security companies who in collaboration scammed you.so as to know how to
transfer or forward your lost items to you anywhere you are.
NOTE. The below are the information to be filled to reconfirm your
identity.
1. YOUR NAME....................................
2. HOME ADDRESS AND PHONE NO............................
3. COUNTRY AND STATE............................................
4. TRANSACTION DATE (OPTIONAL).................................
5. AMOUNT OF MONEY LOST....................................
6. GOODS .PLEASE STATE IF ANY....................................
*We are getting back to you immediately after your reply as soon as
possible.
Thanks.
Yours sincerely,
Waziri Farida,
Director General (EFRC).

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam