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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
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• 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:

• An email address listed inside this email has been used in a known fraud before.
• The following phrases in this message should put you on alert:
  • "dear friend" (a common phrase found in 419 scams)
  • "million pounds" (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)
  • "here in united kingdom" (this email uses bad English)
• This email message is a next of kin scam.
• This email lists free webmail addresses. Use of such addresses is typical for scams. Lotteries, banks and any but the smallest of companies do not normally use such addresses. Criminals use them to anonymously send and receive email at Internet cafes.
  • kensholegeoffrey0001@yahoo.com.hk (email address has been used in a known fraud before)

Fraud email example:

From: kenshole geoffrey <kenshole_00549@msn.com>
Reply-To: <kensholegeoffrey0001@yahoo.com.hk>
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 2009 09:55:12 +0000
Subject: BUSINESS PROPOSAL FROM MR KENSHOLE




Dear friend,


Please accept my sincere apologises if my email does not meet your business or personal ethics. I will first introduce myself as Mr Kenshole Geoffrey an auditor with a Bank here in United Kingdom. One of our accounts, with holding balance of 20,000 000.00 (Twenty Million pounds Sterling) has been dormant and last operated many years ago.


Nobody has done anything as regards the claiming of this money, because the account owner has no family member or friends that has any knowledge as to the existence of either the account or the funds; I have decided to find a reliable foreign partner to deal with.


My proposition to you, is to seek your consent to present you as the Next of kin and beneficiary of this late client, So that the proceeds of this account valued, 40% of the money shall be paid to you,


This transaction is totally free of risk and troubles as the fund is legitimate and does not originate from drug, money laundry, terrorism or any other illegal act. The funds will be released to you after necessary processes have been followed. Let me hear from you as soon as you get this message, so we can proceed.


I anticipate your cooperation and utmost confidence. Awaiting your reply Stating your willingness.
Private Email (kensholegeoffrey0001@yahoo.com.hk)


Regards,


Mr Kenshole Geoffrey.

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam