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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery 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)
  • "hundred thousand united states 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)
  • "await your urgent response" (scammers rush victims so they don't have time to think properly)
  • "i have a new email address!" (this SPAM email was probably sent to thousands of people)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: =?utf-8?q?Victor=20Gyan?= <vgyan61@yahoo.in>
Reply-To: victorgyan@yahoo.cn
Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2009 07:38:12 +0530 (IST)
Subject: TRUSTING YOU


I have a new email address!You can now email me at: vgyan61@yahoo.in



- GHANA NATIONAL

PETROLEUM CORPORATION

#179, JERRY RAWLINGS ROAD ACCRA - GHANA

Dear friend,

I am Mr Victor Gyan,Having consulted with my colleagues, I have the privilege to request your assistance to transfer the sum of(45,500.000.00) FOURTY FIVE MILLION, FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND UNITED STATES DOLLARS, into your accounts.This money is deposited in the GNPC Treasury account with our corresponding bank in Europe waiting for release The above sum resulted from an over-invoiced contract, executed, Commissioned and paid for about three years ago by a foreign contractor.This action was however intentional and We are now ready to transfer the fund overseas and that is where you Come in. It is important to inform you that as civil servants, we are Forbidden to operate a foreign account; that is why we require your assistance.

The total sum will be shared as follows: 60% for us, 35% for you and 5% for local and international expenses incidental to the transfer.The transfer is risk free on both sides.If you find this proposal acceptable,we shall require the following documents:

(1) Your bank name and address (2) Your private telephone and fax numbers for confidentiality and easy communication.

(3) Your full name and address

(4)Occupation

Alternatively we will furnish you with an application form which you will file and apply directly to the Apex Bank of my country where this money is deposited,this business will only take us (14) working days to accomplish.

I Await your urgent response.

Yours Sincerely

Mr Victor A. Gyan

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam