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"419" Scam – Advance Fee / Fake Lottery Scam

• About the 419 (Advance Fee) 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)
  • "million 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)
  • "confidential business" (scammers urge victims to keep the transaction secret because they don't want anyone to point out to them that it is a scam)
• This email message is a 419 scam. Please see our 419 FAQ for more details on such scams.
  

Fraud email example:

From: "Albert Collins"<ovie1912@yahoo.co.jp>
Reply-To: <warri1912@yahoo.co.jp>
Date: Wed, 8 Jul 2009 00:22:51 +0100
Subject: Re: Please Expedite Action.

Dear Friend,

I am a Director in the Administrative Department of Kenya Petroleum Refineries (KPRL); I am in search for a reliable and trustworthy person who will assist me on a confidential business deal.

I am seeking your assistance to receive and invest the sum of Twenty Million United States Dollars [US$20 Million] on my behalf the property section (now that the prices are very low). The above sum emanated from the Mombasa-based refinery upgrade project of adding secondary units at the approved cost of $450 million. However, it was awarded to a none bidder for $430 Million.

In view of the above, I crave that you receive the surplus of the $20 Million on my behalf. The contract was completed and commissioned this last quarter and a European Bank is appointed to settle all contractors and subcontractors after obtaining payment approval from our office.

Since you will be acting as the surplus payment beneficiary and my investment partner, you are to retain 20% of the entire fund as your compensation, whereas 70% is invested pending my retirement and 10% has been mapped out for any official expenses incurred by both parties during the process of this transaction.

All modalities to effect the payment and subsequent transfer of this fund have been worked out, which makes the transaction risk free but you are required to treat this business with the strictest confidence. On your part, you are to send me the following information to prepare the payment approval in your favour:

1. YOUR FULL NAME:
2. FULL ADDRESS:
3. TELEPHONE & FAX:

Be further informed that your interest and security has been considered, so be rest assured and feel free to get involve on this transaction with us, but let honesty and trust be our watchword throughout the process of this transaction.

Your prompt reply will be highly appreciated.

Regards,

Albert Collins
Director,
Mombasa-based Kenya Petroleum Refineries (KPRL)
Mombasa, Kenya

Anti-fraud resources:

• What can you do when you receive 419 spam